A look inside

Kiddie Academy® of Itasca

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Empowering at every age: our learning programs

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Health Essentials

All Ages

Our enhanced wellness and disinfection guidelines

Infant Care

6 weeks to 12 months

New Beginnings

Infants have individual personalities. We help bring them to light.

Toddler Care

13 to 24 months

Discovering Me

Toddlers are extremely active. We keep them actively learning.

Early Preschool

2-Year-Olds

Exploring My World

At two years old, children need to explore. We give them every opportunity.

Preschool

3-Year-Olds

I Can Do It

At three years old, children discover and create. We encourage them to do it all.

Pre-Kindergarten

4-Year-Olds

Ready, Set, Go

At four years old, children are preparing for school. We get them ready to go.

Kindergarten

5-Year-Olds

On My Way

Between ages 4 and 5, children are about to take on the world. We give them the tools to do it.

School Age

Ages 5 to 12

Creative Explorers

School-age children are curious about the world. We help them decipher it.

Summer Camp

Ages 5 to 12

CampVentures®

All day adventures. All summer long.®

We aim to make your child's summer as educational as it is fun, through themed events, activities and trips.

See what a day of

looks like for your child.

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A little about our Academy

Each Academy is a little different. Here's what makes us unique:

  • A curriculum that exceeds state standards
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Parent communications portal
  • Safe and secure state-of-the-art facility

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. 

Hear from our parents

“The teachers and staff are incredible and truly care for my daughter- all teachers in the infant classroom, laura, Karen, Alyssa, Tamara. Love the curriculum, my daughter is always learning new things. Like the activities to get the whole family involved. ”
Liz P., Itasca

“The staff is friendly and the curriculum has helped my child learn new things each week. It's great! ”
Christina V., Itasca

“Great owners and employees, the facilities are top notch ”
Joshua F., Itasca

“I feel comfortable dropping off my child. ”
Emily W., Itasca

“Has been a great experience so far! ”
Svetoslava K., Itasca

“The building is clean and renovated. The classrooms have plenty of space for the kids to run around. The teachers really care about the kids they work with. I feel safe leaving my son with this team of people ”
Leticia G., Itasca

“Caring teachers and staff, excellent curriculum, flexibility ”
Cristie F., Itasca

“The teachers are very attentive to hearing our needs and keeping us in the loop on how our kids are doing. We absolutely love Ms. Patty and Ms. Ariel. ”
Prabhdeep Lovey K., Itasca

“the staff and everyone that works there are so sweet! ”
Ashley K., Itasca

“Can feel that the teachers and staff truly care for my child. Great curriculum, my daughter has learned a ton. Fun theme / spirit days. Food provided ”
Liz P., Itasca

More Parent stories

Awards & Certifications

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Find out more about our Academy.

Contact us to learn more about what makes Kiddie Academy stand out among educational child care providers. A member of our team will contact you.

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Kiddie Academy of Itasca

630-634-5500 Get directions Schedule a tour

Welcome tips and insights to the family:

Parenting Essentials®

The learning doesn't stop for parents, either. That’s why we created an information resource with helpful tips on everything from enriching our STEM program at home to introducing lifelong healthy eating and fitness habits.

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