History

Little Saints Child Care opened in the fall of 2021 for GRACE employees. It was developed under GRACE President Kim Desotell’s vision to recruit and retain top talent within GRACE by providing an affordable, loving and trustworthy, childcare option for the families of GRACE staff. The program is hosted at Holy Family School and currently has grown into the use of 3 classrooms. Children are cared for by loving, nurturing,  devoted, respectful, attentive teachers. Our program features a developmentally appropriate environment which includes: stories, songs, music, themes, planned activities, outside playtime, all in a faith enriched environment. 

Mission Statement

Little Saints Childcare mission is to provide a nurturing environment for your child to grow and thrive in. Our goal is to provide quality care in an environment that is safe, secure, educational and faith enriched. We meet this through organized planned activities, play based environment and exploration. We value our families values and morals and want to be an extension of that. 

Philosophy

At Little Saints Childcare we believe that our program offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum and we strive to enhance social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and faith growth in young children. This is accomplished in our program through positive interactions with peers and teachers, engaging them in planned activities, giving them the opportunity to explore their surroundings, and welcoming and loving them in a faith enriched environment. At Little Saints each child is treated as an “unique individual” and with the utmost respect. We want their experiences at Little Saints to be remembered and cherished.

Values

Quality childcare   

• We take ownership in pride in what we do
• Are aware of parent’s expectations
• Creating a faith, caring, loving and positive environment

Curriculum

• Follow Wisconsin Model Early Learning Model (WMELS)
• Education material available
• Planned learning opportunities as well as opportunities for free play

Building the foundation of a faith-centered life

• Catholic values of love, trust, honesty, kindness, sharing, compassion, and respect for others
• Building on the truth of Jesus Christ is the foundation by which we live, learn and teach

Respect

• Everyone is a “unique individual”
• Be treated with dignity and quality
• We love our children at Little Saints
• We value parents beliefs, and children’s individual differences

Family partnership

• Families feel welcomed, loved and happy
• Parents and teachers can communicate through the day through our childcare application

Safety and health

• Locked doors
• Trained staff keeps the room clean and sanitized throughout the day
• Toys are cleaned and sanitized daily, weekly or as needed

Commitment

• Provide a quality service to our parents
• Meet the needs of young children
• Work together to provide a safe, happy, nurturing environment for everyone involved in the child care center

Meet our Teachers

Tami VanGruensven – Child Care Manager

Hello, I am the Child Care Manager of Little Saints Child Care. I have been in the Early Childcare field for 19 years now. My career started when I owned and operated a licensed family child care in my home for over 16 years. During that time I earned my Associates Degree of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from NWTC, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Regular Education Degree at UW Whitewater. I also earned several Wisconsin Registry Credentials including: Child Care Administrative Credential and Registry Inclusion, Infant and Toddler, and Preschool. In 2019 I taught First grade at Father Allouez School and then moved to Second grade the following year. 

My husband and I have been married for over 25 years and have two adult boys and two adventurous grandsons (Briar and Brex). I love working with children and have my grandsons as much as I can. In my spare time I enjoy my family, watching movies, and taking walks. I look forward to getting to know the children and their families at Little Saints. It is so rewarding to watch them learn and grow. Please feel free to contact me about anything. I can be reached at tvangruensven@gracesystem.org or (920) 272-3123.

Sue Gotffried – Infant room teacher

Sue earned a Bachelor’s of Science major in Education – Early Childhood thru middle (ages 0 – 11) at UWGB in 2018. From 2018 – 2021 she taught 3rd grade at St. Thomas Moore  for two years and one year of 2nd grade there. Mrs. Sue also taught religious education.  Her past experiences as a mother, grandma, mentor and teacher brings lots of experience, benefits, and knowledge of children to her current role. She loves the innocence of this age group, and can’t wait to share in your child’s learning and development experiences.

Ashley Rusch – Toddler teacher 

Ashley assisted Little Saints in both rooms our opening year. She has lots of past experiences with children including babysitting during her middle and high school years, working with kindergarten – 1st grade in after school programs at Boys and Girls Club and teaching kindergarten religious education.  Ashley also worked as a lunchroom supervisor this past school year at Holy Family School.Mrs. Rusch has a two year old that keeps her very busy.

Tanya Russell – Childcare teacher

Tanya went to NWTC and got a vocational diploma in child care. She worked in a child care center shortly after school and then when that closed she nannied for 2 girls from that center during the summer. As a SAHM she was able to care for her son for 6 years. Mrs. Russell was a sub for Grace, worked as preschool aide both at Father Allouez and Our Lady of Lourdes. 

Kristine Motto – Childcare teacher

Kristine is a new hire at Little Saints. More information about Kristine is coming soon!

Janet Peterson – Childcare teacher

Janet is a new hire at Little Saints. She was previously a substitute teacher within the GRACE school system. More information about Janet is coming soon!