Lil Red Schoolhouse may be Idaho Falls' newest early childhood learning center, but its owner, Jill Derr, is no stranger to the field.
For more than 25 years, Derr taught at the Early Childhood Professions Program at Skyline High School for Idaho Falls School District 91. That program encompassed a licensed childcare center that offered early childhood education in a classroom setting. It's that experience that Derr brings to Lil Red Schoolhouse.
As well as having a secondary teaching certificate in Child Development and Guidance, Derr holds a Child Development Associate degree, an administrative certificate in Childcare and Learning, and a Child Development/Family Child Care Post-secondary Technical Certificate from Idaho State University. She has worked professionally with children for over 28 years, and is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Located at 762 Vassar Way, Lil Red Schoolhouse occupies a completely refurbished building. "We believe children learn through play in an enriched, developmentally appropriate learning environment," Derr said.
Through carefully supervised interaction, that environment encompasses social, emotional, intellectual, physical and language development. Lil Red Schoolhouse's staff members work with each child to help enhance their learning skills at all stages of development.
"Another major goal of our center is to help children develop a strong sense of self-esteem," she said. "Children will be taught to respect themselves and each other, the adults and the property within their environment."
According to parent and patron Heather Ginn, the staff have more than proven themselves. "I have researched so many of the care facilities out there, and there is no comparison," she said. "It is the best thing in the world to know that your children are not just being 'watched,' but also loved, played with, taught, and cared for in a way that is only second to home."
Lil Red Schoolhouse Childcare is currently enrolling children ages six weeks to five years. With low teacher-to-children ratios, it is ICCP approved, city licensed and has a staff trained in first aid and CPR. It is equipped with security cameras and a kitchen to provide nutritious meals and snacks.