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Our Teachers
Tiffany Addante-Director
Brings nearly two decades of invaluable experience in the realm of childcare to our Little Blue Jay Training Academy. Originally hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Southern California, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to Missouri in late 2020, eager to embrace a new chapter alongside my husband and two young sons. Tiffany has a Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with a specialization in Child Development, fueled by an unwavering commitment to serving the community and delivering unparalleled childcare services, she resolved to pursue further education to obtain a Director’s license. This pursuit enabled her to delve deeper into regulatory mandates, managerial strategies, and the best practices in early childhood education administration. As the esteemed daycare director for Little Blue Jays Training Academy, she is resolutely committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive. Together with our other devoted staff, we endeavor to create a sanctuary where laughter, curiosity, and discovery reign supreme.
Catina Cobb-West- Owner
Our Little Blue Jay Training Academy owner/teacher. With a heart as vast as the cosmos, Catina has always been drawn to serving families and children. Even as a child, she harbored dreams of reaching for the stars as an astronomer while simultaneously nurturing her dream of opening an orphanage. In 2022, after a fruitful 15-year career in the telecommunications industry, fate intervened with a massive company reorganization, leading to the elimination of her position. Catina embraced the opportunity for new adventures, prioritizing her family’s needs above all else. She was already involved in foster care training on an as needed basis prior to the huge career change, but with more free time now she jumped into that even more. She discovered her passion for the TBRI parenting model, becoming a practitioner, and extending her expertise to parents from all walks of life. When the need arose for a new daycare facility in the community, Catina saw an opportunity to fulfill a longstanding dream. With unwavering determination, she rallied her beautiful daughter and dear friend to bring the vision of the Little Blue Jay Training Academy to life, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for local children. With TBRI at its core, Catina is dedicated to training her staff to provide the highest standard of care.
Caralyn (Cara) Johns- Teacher
Cara brings her vibrant energy and wealth of experience to Little Blue Jay Training Academy as she steps into her role as a teacher! With roots in a large bustling and loving family deeply involved in foster care, Cara’s journey into childcare began early on, igniting her passion for nurturing young minds. While her initial dream was to become a kindergarten teacher, life had other plans, guiding her into the rewarding world of early childcare. Her experience working in a child care center while in high school, her two-year stint as a dedicated nanny to two special needs children, followed by another nanny position for a pretty cool little dude and his family and her role as a licensed respite provider for Children’s Division have equipped her with invaluable skills and compassion. As a proud “boy mom” herself, Cara knows firsthand the joy of fostering curiosity and exploration in children. Her heart for creating a nurturing and inclusive environment shines through in everything she does, both with her own children and those under her care. Known for her boundless patience, understanding, and creativity, Cara is a natural in the childcare environment. Her innate ability to connect with children and guide them through their formative years makes her a true asset to our team. Having embraced Clever as her home for the past two years, Cara is thrilled to embark on this new adventure with Little Blue Jay Academy. She’s eager to bring her positive energy and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of children each and every day.
Wilma Stark-Teacher Wilma has been at Little Blue Jays Training Academy for about 6 months now and she is the 3 year olds teacher. She lives in Aurora, Mo with her husband Adam and there 2 amazing kids, Makayla who is 13 and Eli who is 10. They have 2 very energetic dogs, Emma who is a 4 year old German Shepard/ lab mix and Cookie who is a 2 year old Vizsla. On her off time from work (because let’s be real moms never really have down time. LOL) she enjoys watching and cheering her kids on in their sports, hanging with her family doing chores on our 10 acres, and going to the Lord’s house to worship our Christ and savior. She has worked in a daycare setting for about 3 ½ years now but have worked with children for the past 10 years. Prior to working in a daycare she was a pediatric medical assistant at Mercy Ear, Nose, and Throat. She ahs always enjoyed working with children for many reasons but it can be narrowed down to the fact that they bring an unpredictable sense of fun to any work environment; you never know what they will say or how they respond to any situation, She loves to see the looks on their little faces when they finally catch on to a lesson or their amazement when they see a cool science experiment, the joy they bring is priceless, and they make any bad day good again.
Philosophy
We employ an approach that combines hands-on play, real- life experiences, structured activities, and scaffolding teaching, all infused with love. Our curriculum plan will immerse young minds in the wonders of the natural world, emphasizing S.T.E.A.M. activities while tailoring them to age-appropriate fun. Children benefit from both one-on-one interaction and group play.
Location
Conveniently nestled in the heart of Clever, our daycare center offers a prime location that caters to the needs of both parents and children alike. Situated just a block away from Clever Elemiddle schools, our proximity ensures that parents can effortlessly drop off their children after carline, fostering a seamless transition from school to our daycare. Additionally, children have the convenience of walking to school or from school to us, fostering independence and confidence in their daily routines. Our location also boasts easy access to recreational opportunities, as we are just a short stroll away from the picturesque Clever Park. Moreover, safety and security are paramount to us. With the police station conveniently located across the street, parents can rest assured knowing that our vicinity is closely monitored and safeguarded. Furthermore, our proximity to the FEMA shelter at the school ensures that in times of need, we have immediate access to emergency facilities, prioritizing the well-being and safety of our children and staff.
About our program
At Little Blue Jay Training Academy in Clever, our dedicated team provides a warm and supportive atmosphere for children to flourish. We offer a hands-on approach to learning that sets us apart, focusing on the growth and well-being of our young learners. Join us for a unique educational experience in Early Childhood Development.
Admissions
Before enrolling a child at Little Blue Jay Training Academy LLC, we conduct a parent and child tour and interview with the director and the family. We kindly request that you bring your child to our center before enrollment to facilitate a smooth transition for both the child and parents. *If the child is not present for the initial interview and tour, we will reschedule it to a later time. Following the tour, completion of our questionnaire, and submission of all necessary paperwork, we introduce your family to ours. Your child will be assigned to a group, a teacher, and name tags to help them feel at ease.