Little Tigers Learning Center in Adel, Iowa

Little Tigers Learning Center is nestled in the heart of Adel, Iowa. Our facility offers a nurturing environment with eight dedicated classrooms catering to children aged six weeks through pre-kindergarten. At Little Tigers, we believe in fostering holistic development, providing a play based, social-emotional learning rich curriculum tailored to each child's unique needs. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, offering convenient transportation to and from public preschool, ensuring seamless transitions for your little ones. Join our community and embark on a transformative educational experience where your child will be happy, healthy, safe, and thriving with us at Little Tigers Learning Center.

Business Hours

Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 5:30 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

Contact Information

Little Tigers Learning Center - Adel
1720 Nile Kinnick Drive South
Adel, Iowa 50003

Phone: 515-993-1038
Fax: 515-993-3329

Email: director@littletigerslearning.com

Nicole Grein

Director

Nicole grew up in a small town in North Central Iowa. She attended college at the University of Iowa and graduated in 2017 with a degree in Science Education. After graduating, Nicole moved to the Des Moines area, and currently lives in Waukee. She has a miniature dachshund named Winnie who is the most spoiled dog in the world. Nicole has many years of experience working in centers and I has training in ABA therapy. Nicole started at Little Tigers in early 2023 as a teacher and on-site supervisor, and took over the role of Director in July of 2023. She loves that she gets to work in the office as well as spend time in classrooms so that she is able to get to know all of our families so well!

Shannon Teske

Assistant Director

Shannon has been in the Early Childhood Education field for just over 20 years. Her experience ranges from 6 week old- preschool, including special education. Shannon loves the fast-paced environment and the fact that no two days are the same. The hugs, smiles and high fives she gets throughout the day also make the job wonderful. Shannon grew up and graduated from Adel high school. She loves this town and the ADM district so when she started growing her family, she made the decision to move back to the area. Shannon has a seven year old who keeps her very busy- from dance classes to vacations they are always on the move. Shannon enjoys that in her position being able to both work in the office as well as take time in the classrooms to visit and get to know the children and families.

Michelle Heater

Office Manager

Michelle joined the Little Tigers team in January 2020. She has one adult daughter, who currently lives in Iowa City with her partner, Emerson. She and her husband, Rob are central Iowa natives. They moved to their rural Dallas County home with their American Bully, Mickey & Red Tabby, Sam, in October 2017, after living in the Des Moines area for 22 years. Her "job" for 18 months was organizing the remodel of their home, which they inherited in 2016 (it was definitely a labor of love!) They are the 5th generation of family to own the land!

Michelle has many years of experience with children, including working in several different centers & operating an in-home daycare in her Windsor Heights home for nearly 5 years. Michelle's prior work experience also includes working in an administrative assistant or bookkeeper role at several semi-truck dealerships, a costume shop, a local bank, and a retirement community. Michelle has thoroughly enjoyed her time thus far at Little Tigers, especially getting to know and loving the children. We have an awesome group of kiddos!

Anika Blum

Executive Director & Program Owner

Doug Blum

Program Owner

Programs at this Location

Observers (Infants 6 weeks – 9 months)

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.

Explorers (Infants 6 to 18 months)

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.

Discoverers (1 and 2 year olds)

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.

Adventurers (Two Year olds)

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.

Voyagers (Two to three year olds)

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.

Collaborators (Three Year Olds)

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.

Navigators (3 and 4 year olds)

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.

Inquirers (4 and 5 year olds)

In the Inquirer classroom, young minds are fueled by curiosity and a thirst for understanding. With a blend of structured inquiry and hands-on exploration, our passionate educators ignite a spark of inquiry, nurturing each child's innate desire to question, explore, and discover. From scientific investigations to creative projects, our Inquirers embark on a journey of intellectual discovery, seeking answers to their endless questions and expanding their understanding of the world around them. Through collaborative learning experiences and guided discussions, our curriculum help children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep sense of wonder and curiosity. At the heart of the classroom is a strong partnership between teachers and families. We believe in open communication and collaboration, working together to support each child's unique interests and learning journey. Through our online platform and regular updates, parents are invited to join in their child's exploration and discovery, fostering a seamless connection between home and school.

Little Tigers Learning Center Adel

Business Hours

Contact Information

Nicole Grein

Director

Shannon Teske

Assistant Director

Michelle Heater

Office Manager

Anika Blum

Executive Director & Program Owner

Doug Blum

Program Owner

Programs at this Location

Observers (Infants 6 weeks – 9 months)

Explorers (Infants 6 to 18 months)

Discoverers (1 and 2 year olds)

Adventurers (Two Year olds)

Voyagers (Two to three year olds)

Collaborators (Three Year Olds)

Navigators (3 and 4 year olds)

Inquirers (4 and 5 year olds)

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