Top

Little Tigers Clubhouse Gilbert

Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Closures are updated annually and include these holidays:

New Year's Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving (2 days)

Christmas Day

Semi Annual Closures for Professional Development

 

Little Tigers Clubhouse - Gilbert
105 Ammerman Street
Gilbert, Iowa  50105

Phone: 515-233-3005
Fax: 515-232-3312

Email: gilbert1@littletigerslearning.com

Programs Provided at this location

Elizabeth Miner 

Director

With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, Elizabeth's journey began at the University of Iowa where as a student, she worked as a teacher's assistant at campus childcare centers.  In 2008, she moved to Chicago where she started as a twos teacher at a corporate center in the Gold Coast.  During her seven years at that center, Elizabeth also served as the Enrichment Coordinator designing and teaching small group learning opportunities for children and was recognized nationally with the company's educator of the year award.  Elizabeth transitioned to a leadership role in 2014 as the program's Assistant Director. In 2015, Elizabeth shifted to the West side of the city as the Director of a sister center in the Irving Park neighborhood.  In 2017, after returning to Iowa to be closer to family, Elizabeth directed a nonprofit center in central Iowa for five years before taking the role of Director at Little Tigers in January of 2023.

Driven by a mission to provide exceptional experiences for every child and family, Elizabeth is passionate about equity and inclusion. She is committed to fostering a welcoming learning environment and prioritizes clear communication and strong partnerships with families.  

 Elizabeth's dedication to education extends beyond her role as a director. Elizabeth is committed to staying current in best practice herself, and also enjoys mentoring other educators.  Elizabeth has had the honor to have presented twice at the annual NAEYC conference and has led training and learning opportunities at the state and local levels as well.  Not one to hang up her teaching apron, Elizabeth continues to co-teach a cooking class at the program and leads Farm to Early Childhood Education learning initiatives.

Bekah Shield

Assistant Director

With over three years of experience here at Little Tigers Clubhouse, Bekah has had the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of countless children and is thrilled to be part of the Little Tigers community.  Bekah has been working with young children in a professional setting starting in 2016 and has not left the field since. 

Bekah's journey in early childhood education began at Iowa State University, where she graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Child, Adult, and Family Studies. This academic background provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the dynamics of family relationships and the importance of early childhood development. After graduation, she continued working in childcare on a full-time basis. In 2021, Bekah became the Assistant Director at Little Tigers Clubhouse in Gilbert. 

Bekah's passion lies in creating a warm, friendly, and loving environment for families and their children. She believe that every child deserves a nurturing space where they can explore, learn, and thrive. From engaging activities to fostering social interaction, she is dedicated to ensuring that Little Tigers Clubhouse is a place where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.  Bekah is committed to staying updated on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education to provide the highest quality of care. She looks forward to welcoming you and your family to our community and embarking on this exciting journey together.

Megan Wenger

On-Site Supervisor

Megan began her journey in Early Childhood Education began back in 2000 when she received a child development certificate at DMACC. Since then, she's had the incredible privilege of working in various centers and schools for the past 24 years and has loved every moment of making a difference in the lives of so many children.

As a mom to three incredible kiddos herself, she's always felt a deep connection to both motherhood and teaching. It's a joy to watch children grow and learn, knowing that I'm a part of their journey.  When she's not busy being a mom or a teacher, you'll often find her indulging in my creative passions. Writing poetry, drawing, singing and dancing are her go-to outlets for self-expression.

Here at Little Tigers, Megan serves as the lead teacher in our Voyager classroom.  In the evenings, she serves as our closing supervisor, ensuring that every child leaves with a smile on their face.  Megan believes that every child deserves a nurturing and inspiring environment to learn and grow, and is committed to making that a reality here at Little Tigers.

Anika Blum

Executive Director & Program Owner 

 

Doug Blum

Program Owner

Our program for young infants provides a nurturing environment where your little one's needs are met with warmth and expertise. Throughout the day, our experienced and compassionate teachers engage with your infant, offering cuddles, smiles, and attentive care. We understand that infants are exploring the world around them and discovering what their bodies can do. That's why our teachers encourage them to engage their small and large motor skills with frequent tummy time, and activities that engage them to interact. Our teachers utilize our curriculum to plan intentional activities aligned with each child's developmental level.

We believe in collaboration between parents and teachers to ensure a seamless experience for your family. Together, we coordinate schedules between home and the center, ensuring consistency and continuity for your child. Additionally, we utilize an easily accessible online app to document your infant's daily activities, providing you with peace of mind and the opportunity to stay connected with your little one's experiences and milestones throughout the day.

In the Explorers classroom, infants are encouraged to explore, interact, and grow under the guidance of our dedicated educators. Our team, well-versed in infant development, fosters a dynamic atmosphere where crawling, toddling, and sensory exploration are celebrated milestones. Within our stimulating space, little ones are empowered to move freely, engage in playful activities, and embark on their developmental journey. From singing songs to reading books, each day is filled with enriching experiences tailored to support their individual growth. We understand the importance of communication between caregivers and educators. That's why we prioritize transparent and consistent updates, utilizing our online app to share daily highlights and milestones with families in real-time.

The vibrant environment of the Discoverers classroom is buzzing with the energy of curious toddlers and caring educators who are dedicated to nurturing their budding independence. From dancing to building, our little Discoverers are on the move, eager to try new experiences and embrace every moment. With a focus on fostering social skills, language development, and self-reliance, our teachers design engaging activities that inspire cooperative play and encourage individual growth. We believe in the power of partnership between teachers and families. Through our online app, parents can stay informed about their child's daily adventures, while our educators ensure open communication by sharing insights and updates on classroom activities and milestones.

In our Adventurers classroom, toddlers are on a quest for self-discovery and autonomy, supported by our nurturing and patient educators. From mastering self-feeding to conquering potty training, our Adventurers take on new challenges with enthusiasm. Our teachers follow our curriculum to craft daily activities that stimulate exploration, creativity, and problem-solving, encouraging little hands to get messy, little feet to move, and little minds to flourish. Our educators collaborate closely with families to ensure consistency and support in fostering independence both at home and in the classroom.

Our Voyagers are blossoming with confidence and curiosity, eagerly embracing new experiences under the guidance of our dedicated educators. With a focus on hands-on learning, our curriculum provides activities that ignite their sense of wonder and encourage deeper exploration of the world around them. From nature walks to collaborative projects, our Voyagers develop essential social and communication skills while learning to cooperate and problem-solve together. Foster by open art time and imaginative play, their creativity knows no bounds as every idea is celebrated and encouraged to flourish. We believe in the power of partnership between parents and teachers. Together, we ensure each child feels supported and empowered in their learning journey. Through our online app and in-person communication, families are kept informed about daily activities and milestones, fostering a strong sense of connection and collaboration.

In our Navigator classroom, children are ready to chart new courses and discover the world around them. Our curriculum provides a blend of structured learning and creative exploration, our experienced educators guide them through a variety of hands-on activities designed to stimulate curiosity and foster a love for learning. From science experiments to artistic endeavors, our Navigators embark on a voyage of discovery, honing their critical thinking skills and expanding their understanding of the world. Through collaborative projects and group discussions, they learn to navigate social dynamics and develop empathy and cooperation. At the heart of our classroom is a strong partnership between teachers and families. We believe in open communication and collaboration, working together to support each child's unique journey of growth and development. Through our online platform and regular updates, parents stay connected and informed about their child's progress and achievements, ensuring a seamless transition between home and school.

Children in the Collaborator classroom thrive as they embark on a journey of shared discovery and creativity. With a zest for learning, they eagerly dive into a variety of engaging activities carefully designed by our dedicated educators to inspire collaboration and imagination. From group projects to cooperative games, our Collaborators develop essential teamwork and problem-solving skills while exploring new ideas and expanding their horizons. Through hands-on experiences and guided exploration, they learn to communicate effectively and work together towards common goals. At the heart of our classroom is a spirit of partnership between teachers and families. We value open communication and collaboration, ensuring each child feels supported and empowered in their learning environment. Through our online platform and regular in-person updates, parents are kept informed about their child's progress and daily adventures, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.

Children in this classroom typically also attend half day preschool at Gilbert public schools.  We are happy to provide transportation to get your tiger to and from school each day.

Little Tigers is happy to provide before and after school care and programming for children attending Gilbert Elementary's full day programs.  Each day, we walk our Tigers to and from school.  Full day programming during most days of district closure during the school year is also available.

Schedule Your Tour Now!

Learn More