Open Enrollment
Now accepting
Infants
Toddlers
PreK
Founder of Inquiring Minds Learning Academy
LATRAYA SHEPARD
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My name is Latraya Shepard the owner of Inquiring Minds Childcare Learning Academy. I hold an Associates in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelors in Human Services. My past work history includes The Village for Families and Children for 9 years and the Hartford Public School System for 19 years. Throughout my career I have educated a diverse population of students in grades K - 8. Each year I had the privilege of educating students from varying cultural backgrounds many had behavioral needs, physical disabilities, and/or academic challenges. My years with The Village for Families and Children and Hartford Public School System have been invaluable and have given me joy beyond measure.
I am a “first-time” mom, my daughter is 6 years old. Being a parent is the best experience I've ever had. I can apply to my parenting all that I've learned over the years working with children in diverse environments. I love and embrace all of the excitement and adventure that comes along with parenting. I feel like caring for children is my life purpose. I’ve started a new chapter in my life to serve my purpose as a parent and as a nurturer of children of all types and abilities. I created Inquiring Minds Childcare Learning Academy as the vehicle for this new journey.
OUR MISSION
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Inquiring Minds Learning Academy is committed to the development of the whole child. Our plan is to work closely with families to ensure that their child’s social, educational, emotional, and physical needs are nurtured daily. We'll provide the necessary individualized attention that encourages each child to grow, develop and thrive. We teach our children the importance of respect, integrity, confidence, and leadership. We also encourage our children to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. At Inquiring Minds Learning Academy our goal is to set the bar high and make adjustments as needed, while letting our children learn at their own pace. We strive to provide our families with structured, educational, and high-quality childcare.
OUR CORE VALUES
CONFIDENCE
RESPECT
INTEGRITY
LEADERSHIP
What is S.T.R.E.A.M.?
A S.T.R.E.A.M Learning Environment​
What does S.T.R.E.A.M. look like in an early childcare setting? The S.T.R.E.A.M. approach focuses on letting children explore and experiment with different materials, tools, and concepts. This approach helps build vocabulary and communication skills. It also exposes children to various activities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. S.T.R.E.A.M. prepares children to be innovators, educators, and leaders in the modern world. Inquiring Minds Learning Academy is a S.T.R.E.A.M. learning environment. We also incorporate the traditional early childcare methods such as circle time, pretend play, and music, song, and dance.
