Menagerie Child Care
Presents:
Menagerie Cottage
A different kind of daycare
We specialize in Diagnosed and Pre-diagnosed families.
We are a community of Moms with first-hand experience navigating the local support systems.
We collaborate with local professionals to provide our kids with the support they need. We can help you too.
Adventure with Menagerie Child Care
This daycare is like no other. Bougie, Bohemian, and Crunchy! Menagerie Child Care is a growing community that believes childhood should be fun and adventurous, filled with whimsy and structure. If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact us for a tour.
Hello
Welcome to Menagerie Child Care, where we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for all families in Leavenworth, Kansas. Our unique approach focuses on accommodating the diverse needs of children, whether are hyperactive or exhibit traits of Autism. We prioritize social-emotional literacy and emotional regulation, every child feels seen and validated. Here, your child can thrive be their authentic selves every day.
If you'd like to help us spread kindness, creativity, and imagination to countless children, please, consider donating. Your donations will enable us to provide a nurturing environment where all kids can flourish, regardless of their background and learning style. Together, we can make a difference in their lives while inspiring the next generation.
Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for children!
Team
Michelle Gregor Mendiola
"Ms. Michelle"
Hi,
I'm a mother of three, a wife, an early childhood educator, and a Leavenworth resident. My husband is a Clinical Director in Lawrance for SERC Physical Therapy. My first husband (and co-parent) lives in Olathe and is a Cloud Architect for Children's Mercy. I received my early education in Deritter, LA., when my dad was stationed at Fort Polk. In 1987 my family moved to Williamsburg, Va. My mom settled there. My dad stayed in the army and my parents got divorced.
In 1998 I moved to Leavenworth, Ks. to live with my dad.
I graduated from Leavenworth High in 2000.
In 2010 I graduated from KU with a BA in Classical Antiquities and got married to an Air Force Captain.
In 2013 I opened Momo's Knitting Nook, a boutique local yarn shop in downtown Leavenworth. And, after the birth of my second baby, I sold the yarn shop to a wonderful Lt. Col. and her husband who still run it today.
When the Pandemic hit I had three kids.
My sister and I decided to raise our five kids together. With her Master's degree in Social Work and my adventurous nature, we made the best of a scary time.
That's not to say it was easy.
We are an active bunch. With varying amounts of Hyperactivity, Autism, Tourette, and anxiety, We had to come up with a new way of meeting the individual needs of each kid.
Luckily, We both had experience in Early Childhood Education. What inspired our curriculum the most was our time with the Lawrence Co-opp Nursery School (LCNS). I encourage you to take a look at their page.
My biggest takeaway from my time with LCNS was how to kids how to respect the autonomy of themselves and others.
After the lockdown ended, my kids and I moved back to Leavenworth.
Shortly after we got back into town a Montessori school moved in. The isolation of the lockdown was brutal. I felt like my kids needed more interaction they they were getting, and frankly, I did too.
I was intrigued by the method and ethos of the Montessori Method. So, I enrolled my youngest in their program and took a job there myself.
After almost a year it was clear that while I enjoyed the Montessori Method, corporate child care wasn't for us.
Then my son and I went to a local daycare. The people were wonderful. Unfortunately, the program wasn't flexible enough to address the social-emotional needs of the kids today.
After attempting to find a good fit locally, I decided to be the change.
I believe kids take a village. As an educator, I understand it's my privilege to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children in my care.
I believe everyone should be treated with respect, including children. "Children can only show respect if they are shown respect," is the motto I live and teach by.
My approach to early education is: Play is first. Daycare should be a fun place that the kids want to come to in the mornings. I want this daycare to be a place you and your kids can remember fondly in years to come.
I look forward to meeting you.
