About Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy
OUR MISSION
At Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy our mission is to prioritize safety while providing the highest quality education in a nurturing and stimulating environment for children. We strive to create ever-lasting trusting partnerships with our families as we grow bright futures.
Our Values
QUALITY
At Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy, we are prided in knowing that we give quality care to each and every child who attends our academy
HEALTH & SAFETY
Your child’s wellness and safety are of the most importance here at Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy. You will have peace of mind knowing your child is taken care of in the way he/she should be
TRUST
Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy is a trusted facility in Livingston county for the safety and care for the nurturing your child needs
PARTNERSHIPS
Having a partnership with the child’s caregiver is an important piece of the puzzle with your child’s success here at the academy. We strive to have communication and transparency with you about the education, care and nurture that your child has here
ACHIEVEMENT
At Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy, your child will make advanced achievements as they learn, play, and grow with us
DIVERSITY
At Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy, we carry an upright respect for diversity at the academy and will welcome any family with open arms into our lil family
DEDICATION
The dedication to your child's needs, safety, and wellness from our staff and facility is met every day to ensure your child is well taken care of to obtain advancements in learning growth
FUN LEARNING
WE BELIEVE KIDS THRIVE IN PLAY-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS BECAUSE PLAY-BASED LEARNING CURRICULum FOSTER KIDS' INNATE CREATIVITY AND CURIOSITY.
Our Philosophy
The first five years of a child's life are the main focus of Lil Sunflowers Learning Academy. These initial five years are, in our opinion, the most crucial for all aspects of growth. We are dedicated to building a solid foundation for your child's growth and assisting families through partnerships.
In order to help children develop into lifelong learners, we are committed to offering them a high-quality, secure, and supportive environment. Our goal is to offer a stimulating environment that encourages each child's physical, mental, and social growth. Our intention is to provide chances for learning through child-led and teacher-planned activities that will foster children's creativity and curiosity while also fostering other aspects of their development, such as independence, self-esteem, and confidence.
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WE BELIEVE KIDS THRIVE IN PLAY-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS BECAUSE PLAY-BASED LEARNING CURRICULUM FOSTER KIDS' INNATE CREATIVITY AND CURIOSITY. A CHILD'S ABILITY TO LEARN, GROW, AND CHALLENGE THEIR ENVIRONMENT WHEN THEY BECOME CURIOUS OPENS UP NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. CHILDREN'S TOOLS FOR SUCCESS AS ADULTS COME FROM THEIR IMAGINATION AND SENSE OF CREATIVITY. WE SUPPORT CHILDREN'S GROWTH AT THEIR OWN SPEED BY GIVING THEM PLEASANT EXPERIENCES AND INTERACTIONS AND MONITORING THEIR PROGRESS AS THEY GET OLDER. THROUGH THE INSTRUCTION OF ALL AREAS OF CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND COGNITIVE SKILLS, WE SUPPORT THE WHOLE CHILD APPROACH. CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO SUCCEED BY THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR TIME AT OUR LEARNING SCHOOL.
ANOTHER CRUCIAL ELEMENT OF A CHILD'S SUCCESS IS A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON TRUST. WE THINK THAT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PARENT AND THE PROVIDER IS ESSENTIAL. WE WORK TO GIVE FAMILIES COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND BY OFFERING SERVICES THAT GIVE THEM COMFORT AND ASSURANCE UNDER OUR CARE. FOR OUR EDUCATORS TO BE ABLE TO DELIVER THE HIGHEST-QUALITY CARE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THEIR ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS LIKE HEALTH AND SAFETY, CURRICULUM, AND CENTER POLICIES. THIS IS HOW WE WANT TO GAIN THE TRUST OF THE FAMILIES WE SERVE.
AS WE GROW BRIGHT FUTURES, OUR GOAL FOR THE CHILDREN IS TO GAIN THE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR THEIR TOOLBOX TO BECOME THE BEST VISIONS OF THEMSELVES AS INDIVIDUALS AND THROUGH THEIR ACADEMICS. WE HOPE THROUGHOUT OUR TIME WITH THE CHILDREN THAT WE GET TO INSTILL THE LOVE OF LEARNING THAT WE HAVE IN THEM WITH ALL THE CONFIDENCE AND EAGERNESS TO CONTINUE TO LEARN.
WE BELIEVE KIDS THRIVE IN PLAY-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS BECAUSE PLAY-BASED LEARNING CURRICULUM FOSTER KIDS' INNATE CREATIVITY AND CURIOSITY. A CHILD'S ABILITY TO LEARN, GROW, AND CHALLENGE THEIR ENVIRONMENT WHEN THEY BECOME CURIOUS OPENS UP NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. CHILDREN'S TOOLS FOR SUCCESS AS ADULTS COME FROM THEIR IMAGINATION AND SENSE OF CREATIVITY. WE SUPPORT CHILDREN'S GROWTH AT THEIR OWN SPEED BY GIVING THEM PLEASANT EXPERIENCES AND INTERACTIONS AND MONITORING THEIR PROGRESS AS THEY GET OLDER. THROUGH THE INSTRUCTION OF ALL AREAS OF CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND COGNITIVE SKILLS, WE SUPPORT THE WHOLE CHILD APPROACH. CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO SUCCEED BY THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR TIME AT OUR LEARNING SCHOOL.
ANOTHER CRUCIAL ELEMENT OF A CHILD'S SUCCESS IS A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON TRUST. WE THINK THAT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PARENT AND THE PROVIDER IS ESSENTIAL. WE WORK TO GIVE FAMILIES COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND BY OFFERING SERVICES THAT GIVE THEM COMFORT AND ASSURANCE UNDER OUR CARE. FOR OUR EDUCATORS TO BE ABLE TO DELIVER THE HIGHEST-QUALITY CARE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THEIR ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS LIKE HEALTH AND SAFETY, CURRICULUM, AND CENTER POLICIES. THIS IS HOW WE WANT TO GAIN THE TRUST OF THE FAMILIES WE SERVE.
AS WE GROW BRIGHT FUTURES, OUR GOAL FOR THE CHILDREN IS TO GAIN THE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR THEIR TOOLBOX TO BECOME THE BEST VISIONS OF THEMSELVES AS INDIVIDUALS AND THROUGH THEIR ACADEMICS. WE HOPE THROUGHOUT OUR TIME WITH THE CHILDREN THAT WE GET TO INSTILL THE LOVE OF LEARNING THAT WE HAVE IN THEM WITH ALL THE CONFIDENCE AND EAGERNESS TO CONTINUE TO LEARN.
Who Grow Bright Futures
Meet The Leaders
Owner/Program Director
When I'm not at Lil Sunflower Learning Academy, I'm a wife to my husband Karl Witt and a mother to three beautiful children: Lyndsey (10), Hudson (6), and Morgan (1). Motherhood is the greatest gift I've received, and I love spending time with my family camping, swimming, attending concerts, snowmobiling, taking photos of children and families, and making memories on vacations. Every Friday night, we have a tradition of playing board games together. Additionally, I adore tacos, and if given the option, I could eat them every day. Lastly, Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I love everything about it, including the creative, spooky, and cute ideas that come with it.
I even wonder if tacos could be a Halloween-themed dish?
I've been working in the Child Care field since 2012. While working at a Montessori Preschool and Daycare center, I pursued a degree in Elementary Education at Washtenaw Community College. Starting as an Infant teacher, I later became a Preschool Assistant teacher and realized my passion for the Daycare and Preschool environment. I transitioned from Elementary Education to Early Childhood and obtained a Montessori Certification to become a Lead Montessori Preschool Teacher. I then continued my education and earned an associate degree in childcare professionals. In 2017, I began a new journey as a Lead Preschool Teacher at a new Daycare and Preschool center, and over time, I was promoted to oversee the school's curriculum, Assistant Director, and Program Director. In 2021, I took time for my family and decided to open my own childcare center with my extensive education, experience, and passion. My goal is to provide families in the community with the highest quality care and learning environment for their children while building a trusting partnership with them.
Hey, I'm Megan Witt
Assistant Director
OUTSIDE OF MY WORK AT LIL SUNFLOWERS LEARNING ACADEMY, I AM A WIFE TO MY HUSBAND, STEVE THOME, AND A MOTHER TO TWO WONDERFUL CHILDREN, BENTLEY (10) AND ELEANOR (3). MY SON BENTLEY LOVES PLAYING HOCKEY, WHILE MY DAUGHTER ELEANOR ADORES ALL ANIMALS. WE ALSO HAVE TWO BELOVED LABS NAMED HUCK AND COLT. SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH MY FAMILY, MAKING NEW MEMORIES EACH DAY WITH MY CHILDREN, CAMPING, SHOPPING, WATCHING MY SON PLAY HOCKEY, AND HANGING OUT WITH CLOSE FRIENDS ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE ACTIVITIES.
I AM THRILLED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW ALL OF OUR FAMILIES HERE AT LIL SUNFLOWERS LEARNING ACADEMY AND PROVIDE A SAFE, NURTURING, AND FUN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILDREN. BUILDING A TRUSTING PARTNERSHIP WITH THEM
I have dedicated my career to the Child Care field since 2013, when I began my journey at a Daycare Center in Brighton. Starting as an Assistant Toddler Teacher, I obtained my CDA through the Childcare Education Institute and became a qualified Lead Teacher. After certification, I transitioned to become a Toddler Lead Teacher. In 2018, I embarked on a new journey at a different Daycare and Preschool Center, this time as a Preschool Lead Teacher. This role led to opportunities for me to oversee the school's curriculum and to become an Assistant Director.
I have always found working with children to be fulfilling. Being a part of their growth and witnessing their fun milestones is an incredible experience.
Hey, I'm Casey Thome
Center Manger
Outside of work I am at home with my fiancé Garrett and our 2.5-year-old son, Smith. I cannot imagine a world without them. Becoming a mother has been the most rewarding experience I have had thus far, and I am excited to continue growing my family. Quality Time with my family is one of my favorite things, along with going on walks, watching movies with them, going to concerts and reading. I absolutely love a good book. Finally, the 4th of July is my go-to holiday. It’s like the Super Bowl of red, white and blue blazing sky shows!
Oh, and hot dogs? Bring on the condiments!
I’ve been working with children since 2015. I started off by doing internships at a few local elementary schools while I was getting my degree in Psychology at Ferris State University. After graduation I decided to get into Daycare. I started off as a floater and then moved my way up to an assistant. I then became a Preschool Assistant teacher. I absolutely loved the environment and decided to move forward with obtaining my CDA. Once I received my CDA I became a PreK Lead Teacher. I adored what I did, but I dreamed of expanding my horizons beyond just being a Lead Teacher. I wanted to take on more responsibility and help manage a center. Thus, the opportunity arose here at Lil Sunflowers. I am thrilled to step into this role and help Lil Sunflowers provide the best quality and teaching environment.
Hey, I'm Morgan Smith
