About Us
Mission
At Little Willows Learning Academy, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive nature- based learning environment where every child can explore, discover, and grow.
Vision
At Little Willows Learning Academy, our vision is to empower every child to reach their full potential and a strong sense of community.
Philosophy
At Little Willows Learning Academy we believe each child has the potential to bring something unique and special into the world
Hello! My name is Kim, and I am a proud wife and mom to two amazing young ladies. I also have 3 wonderful dogs and a cat. I am the founder of Little Willows Learning Academy, where I combine my passion for early childhood education with 24 years of hands-on experience.
My journey into opening my own childcare began with my oldest daughter. I had enrolled her in a local childcare center, but the experience wasn’t what I hoped for – it left me feeling there had to be a better way. So, we pulled her out of that facility and had my parents watch her.
That experience sparked a dream in me. While pregnant with my second daughter, I started planning a program where children could learn, grow, and feel truly cared for. Shortly after she was born, I left my corporate childcare job and opened Little Willows Learning Academy on April 18, 2011.
What started as a vision for my own two children has grown into a nurturing, nature-base learning community for families across the area. At Little Willows Learning Academy, children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and discover every day in an environment that feels like home.
I hold an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Ashworth College and a B.A. in Human Relations from Ottawa University. I am also CPR and First Aid certified, a Kansas CNA, and a licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician.
My teaching journey spans over eight years, having served as a Lead and Assistant Teacher in infant and toddler classrooms at La Petite Academy, Children’s World, and KinderCare.
Outside of work, I enjoy researching my family history, gardening, and volunteering at KC Pet Project. I’m passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and nature-based learning environment where children can grow and thrive
Know More About
Little Willows Learning Academy
Little Willows Learning Academy Formally Little Willows Daycare is state licensed and offers care from 3 months to 6 years of age. Little Willows Learning Academy provides:
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Nature and academic- base curriculum
Partnered with Grandview School District- Parents As Teachers -
Daily parent communication and payments through Procare app
Low ratio - Open door policy
- Nature Base activities
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Check out our social media pages to see our daily activities
Member of Grandview Chamber Of Commerce - Baby wipes are provided by the center.
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Kindergarten Readiness
Parent's Kind Words
Dropping my daughter off at 3 months was so hard, but Mrs. Kim has made it so much easier. My daughter is almost 1 and is so happy to get to daycare every single day. As a first time parent, I’m still learning a lot, and Mrs. Kim is helping my baby and I. I could go on forever about how great Little Willows is. R. Crabtree-Miller
Little Willows Daycare is a wonderful place for anyone in the area. Mrs. Kim is very polite and friendly to communicate with about events and my son’s needs. Also, my son loves to go to school each day to hang out with his friends. All around this place is 5 stars. One more thing, Mrs. Kim uses Procare, so we have 10+ updates about our son’s day throughout the day, including pictures, it’s a great experience! Mrs. Kim is professional and organized about her schedule and kiddos! M.Roe
I could not imagine trusting my daughter with anyone else. She absolutely loves it here and has been excited to go every day! So thankful I found Mrs. Kim she is so patient with the kids and takes her job of teaching the children serious. I would recommend 100 times over! B. Hunter
Absolutely 5-star quality! Both my kids go here and it’s wonderful! S. Trout
A great daycare!! Our daughter has been going since she was 10 weeks old, and she loves Kim and all the activities. We love the personal attention and activities like finger painting, coloring, made footprints, made cards for us, and outside play time. We would recommend for anyone who is looking for a great in-home daycare our daughter is turning 1 and loves getting us to go to daycare every weekday it is a great feeling to know that when we go off to work, she is happy being at daycare.
M.Theis
This is a great daycare. My daughter started here when she was 8 months old to the age of 3 years. We had her tested by P.A.T and we are proud to share that she is performing at upper 3 year and lower 4-year-old level. We want to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us establish her strong foundation. You are awesome and truly a God send to us.
Sara and Debbie C
This is a Great daycare. My son started when he was 1 years old. He took an assessment test at preschool, and they are bumping him up to 4-5 year old Pre-Kindergarten class because he’s so advance. We can’t thank you enough for your skills and teaching efforts. T. Woods
RAVE!!! for over 2 years our little ones have been cared for by Kim Carson at Little Willows Daycare. She does a great job with helping them learn and grow. We feel confident that our kids are learning and growing in a safe nurturing environment. She has a free app that allows my wife and I to see their activities of the day from food and drinks consumed, to length of naps to much more! And she has encouraged us from day one to feel free to drop in anytime! We are blessed to have found her when we moved to Grandview. Cannot recommend her highly enough! (She cares for infants and children up to 6 years old) A.Trout