From the time I was little, I've always enjoyed taking care of little ones and watching them learn and explore. As I gained more experience working with children in childcare centers, preschools, and with special needs/autistic children, I loved seeing children light up and become so excited when they learned new skills, and my focus then gravitated towards child development and early childhood education.
Fast forward to 2024, and I learned about the amazing opportunity to open a daycare at the Camp Ripley military base in Little Falls, MN. I jumped at the chance to give back and serve the families and community that sacrifices so much for our freedoms, and not only to just provide top-notch childcare, but to build a high-quality early childhood education program that gives children and their families the best early education experience possible - and so, Little Wonders Academy was born!
Program Philosophy
Cultivating high-quality learning experiences and education to inspire a life-long love of learning, while maintaining a close, family-centered environment.
guess what...
WE LOVE
LEARNING
Why Little Wonders Academy?
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Parent Aware rated for high-quality care and early education
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{3} dedicated teachers for high-quality learning and structure
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{3} different learning environments - Infant | Toddler | Preschool
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Research-Based curriculum for all ages
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Sign language immersion
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CACFP Food Program
Meet the Team
Owner | Director | Lead Teacher
Nicole Rhode
With a passion for early childhood education and caring for all aspects of children's development, Nicole strives to create the educational learning experiences and environments of center-based care, but with the small family-knit community and involvement that family-based care provides.
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Associate of Early ChildhoodEducation 2026 | Rasmussen University
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Bachelor of Early Childhood Education {In Progress}
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Three-Star Parent Aware Rated
Lead Teacher
Elizabeth Rennie
I love early childhood education because I get to watch children come out of their shell, build confidence, and grow everyday. Seeing a child go from shy and unsure to excited and engaged is so rewarding. I enjoy creating a safe, supportive environment where children can explore, learn new skills, and develop a lifelong love for learning!
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Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Minor in Early Childhood Education
2024 | St. Cloud State University
Assistant Teacher
Alexandra Butler
I enjoy working in the early childcare field because I believe that years 0-5 are not only some of the most important years, but also a time where a child’s brain is developing so rapidly. What an honor to be a part of shaping these little minds!
A fun fact about me is that I have been working in the Social Work field for the past 7 years. Since I have become a mom and had my second baby, I have made the decision to take a step back and spend more time with my children.
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Bachelor of Social Work
2020 | College of Saint Scholastica
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