Menagerie Child Care
A different kind of daycare
Hello
Thanks for stopping by. Menagerie Child Care is a premier childcare experience located in the rolling river lands of Leavenworth, Kansas.
We serve all kinds of families. In addition to a nurturing daycare experience, this program aims to settle families that have struggled with other programs. What sets us apart from other daycares in the area is how we accommodate the kids. The hyperactive kids have different needs than the kids with Autism traits*. This program is designed to give children a safe place to be themselves.
There are strategies associated with those diagnoses that greatly benefit the kids in this program.
Social-emotional literacy and emotional regulation are essential practices. And we practice every day. All of the kids thrive being seen, validated, and accommodated.
*Exhibiting traits of a diagnosis is not a formal diagnosis. Formal diagnoses are not yet offered as part of the program.
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.
Adventure with Menagerie Child Car
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.
