Kiddie Academy^® of Itasca

We can't wait to meet you

• Denise Downing, Academy Director

  

  I am Denise Downing, Aacdemy Director. I have over 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood. I have worked...   Read More

  Denise Downing, Academy Director

  I am Denise Downing, Aacdemy Director. I have over 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood. I have worked with infants through 5th grade. I believe my passion is with the toddler/2years old age. I enjoy interacting with children and families. My family and I like to travel together to Wisconsin. We cook , grill and bake together. I spend my free time crocheting and reading. 

• Margi and Kunjan Shah, Owners

  

  I am Margi Shah, proud owner of Kiddie Academy of Itasca. My husband, Kunjan Shah, and I are blessed with two preschool...   Read More

  Margi and Kunjan Shah, Owners

  I am Margi Shah, proud owner of Kiddie Academy of Itasca. My husband, Kunjan Shah, and I are blessed with two preschool aged girls. As parents, we value early childhood education as it creates a foundation for life. We were looking to invest in a business while wanting to be able to also spend time with our girls. Opening a childcare center came into our minds. We started looking at options which brought us to Kiddie Academy franchise. Kidde Academy has everything. It offers a great curriculum, caring teachers, nurturing environment, and a big playground. We thank you for choosing Kiddie Academy of Itasca. We ensure that your children will receive great care while they are here with us.

• Alexandria Barnes, Assistant Director.

  I am Alexandria Barnes, Assistant Drector. I have always wanted to work with children even from a young age, it was always...   Read More

  Alexandria Barnes, Assistant Director.

  I am Alexandria Barnes, Assistant Drector. I have always wanted to work with children even from a young age, it was always just a question of how. I was always the one cuddling with the babies (still am) and playing teacher. In high school, I started out baby-sitting, taking child development courses and doing volunteer work. I originally started College for Secondary Education but then I moved to Wisconsin and did not complete my degree. I earned my Associate Degree in Applied Science Early Childhood Directors from Harper College. I worked my way up from an assistant teacher position to Acting Director.  I am also a child at heart so it’s great being able to let that side of myself out when interacting with the children. Each day is different and that is what I look forward to. I am a single  mom and Charlotte is my world. We have a 5 year old dog named Lolly. Charlotte has such a love of learning and trying new things. Some of favorite things to do with her is to go to the zoo and museums.