Our Educators

Administrative Staff

Jen Block

Day Home Coordinator/Consultant and Home Visitor

Welcome, I’m Jen! After graduating from the Early Childhood Program in 2000 with my Child Development Supervisor Certification, I have spent my time working in the Early Learning and Childcare field ever since. I have worked in many settings; an educator in centre-based care, an educational assistant in elementary school, ARCQE mentor, and a day home educator. Being with children is my passion.

I have been with The Children’s House Child Care Society as the Day Home Coordinator, Consultant, and Home Visitor since 2012 and most recently included the position society wide as the Inclusive Supports Coordinator/Supervisor. I attend the Child Care Directors Association of Southwest Alberta and Lethbridge Early Years Coalition, places where professionals prioritize children’s early years. I have been part of the GRASP- Guiding Responsive Approaches to Strengthening Practice and ELCC- Early Learning and Child Care pilot projects within our society that focus on networking, providing regular and sustained support and access to quality care for all families.

I have been fortunate to continue my learning in the field throughout the years and most recently received my certificate of completion of the Flight course: Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum: Play, Possibilities and Participation through MacEwan University, I am now a member of Children's House Core Flight Team. In 2019 I helped develop our Riverbottom Program where the children, Leslee and myself spent the whole day in the river bottom exploring and connecting with nature. I love expanding my knowledge and continuing to reflect on my practices. I love being part of a society that allows me to co-learn, co-research, and co-imagine possibilities with children, families, and educators within our programs.

Exploring in nature; hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and gardening with my husband and two children is where you will find me outside of work.

Debbie

Educator

"I teach to enable, enliven and encourage"

While my background post-secondary education and continual ongoing training have allowed me to gain expertise in the field of Early Childhood, I believe my greatest strength is my passion for working with young children. I have been with Children's House Satellite Family Day Home program since 1993 (and over 40 children in my care later) I still continue to find joy in welcoming, nurturing and teaching in my North side Day Home.

I reinforce my philosophy, "Children are Mighty Learners, they learn through play” by expanding on their interests and needs and providing them with experiences to learn though such play. I believe in being an Educator who is a Co-Learner, Co-Researcher and Co- Imaginer not only with the child but with the families, the Children’s House Educating Team and the community. My years of experience has taught me well what children respond to. I offer a large playroom with a variety of toys and activities which I feel makes my day home a unique place to learn and grow. I offer many child related play areas: Literature and Quiet, Dramatic Play, Blocks, Sand and Water, Manipulative Centre, Art as well as a large outdoor area to run, climb and play. I also transport children and we can be found at the Public Libraries for story times and book lending, the Family Centre for Family Day home Play Time in their large playroom. As well we have outings to many beautiful parks like our River Bottom and playtime at the many playgrounds our city has to offer.

During my free time I am busy making great memories with my husband, two grown daughters, son in law and our lovable pup, Winnie.

I would love to have the opportunity to further discuss my services and unique program available to your child and family.

Visit my day home online at: https://debbz30.wixsite.com/debsdayhome

Lacey

Educator

Hello! My name is Lacey! I was born and raised right here in Lethbridge, AB. My spouse and I have three young children. We have a family dog named Baloo. He is a lab mix and is such a gentle giant. We decided after our second child that I would stay home and raise our family. As a mother, I know how important it is to find the right care and I would love to welcome your children into my home.  

As a provider, I will help develop the children’s interests and skills so they can thrive when learning how to create, discover, explore and use their imagination.

I believe in providing a happy and safe space where your children are respected and nurtured. I'll encourage learning through play while exploring the world around them including reading, outdoor playtime and activities.  Our day is structured with some flexibility. Snacks, lunch, quiet time and outdoor times don’t change; however, our activities vary. Snack and Lunch are provided, and I encourage healthy eating, following the Canada’s Food Guide.   

I look forward to meeting with your family very soon!

Gail

Educator

Hi! My name is Gail and I'm excited to be part of the Children's House family! I have five beautiful daughters (only my youngest two still live at home) and two small dogs, Piper the mini schnauzer and Riley the chihuahua mix. I love the outdoors and go hiking, camping, kayaking and snowshoeing every chance I get! I also enjoy baking, cake decorating, sewing, refinishing furniture and building simple wood projects.

I have an Educational Assistant Diploma and have been working in early learning programs since 2014. I believe all children need to be nurtured and given daily opportunities to be creative and successful, and I am excited to implement the Flight curriculum in my day home.

I aim to recognize the unique strengths that every child possesses and to set up the play environment to help them use those strengths to achieve their full potential. My goal is to connect with children by noticing their interests, supporting them and providing opportunities to learn through play while maintaining a positive and motivating atmosphere.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=happy%20trails%20dayhome

Leslee

Educator

Hello! My name is Leslee and I have been part of the Children’s House family since June 2015. In 2022 I completed my ELCC Diploma and have my level 3 certification. I have been fortunate to be able to work with all ages of children at the centre, from our toddler room (Birch Room) to our 4 year old room (Evergreen Room). In 2018 I completed the Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum: Play, Possibilities and Participation (FLIGHT) through MacEwan University and began to develop my own practices of an emergent curriculum based on the children’s interests. In 2018/2019 I was fortunate to join a pilot project through GRIT and became the Site Lead for A.S.a.P. where I worked to implement social and emotional development in an inclusive environment within my classroom. In September 2019 I accepted an administrative position of Pedagogical Mentor where I work with my co-educators (both at the centre and in our day homes) and the children in their classrooms as we implement the Flight: Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum in our centre. In 2022 I became Daycare Program Supervisor in addition to mentoring my co-educators.

I love exploring the community around my early learning environment and building strong relationships with our community members. Working at the centre, I was excited to build a partnership with the children in my classroom and the residents at the Edith Cavell Care Home with regular monthly visits to play and build relationships. I also created a Riverbottom Program where the children (ages 2-6), Jen and myself spent the whole day in the river bottom exploring and connecting with nature.

My favourite part of working at Children’s House is learning about each child and their family’s individual values and reflecting on how we can nurture those beliefs together. I am excited to continue growing with Children’s House as I start my new journey of opening my day home in June 2023. I believe that children are confident-capable mighty learners and that every day is meant to be the best day ever!

In my down time I enjoy wandering our local Riverbottom with my dog Harlee, spending time with my extended family, and taking time to plan my next camping and kayaking trip!

Please feel free to follow me on my Early Learning Instagram Blog: https://www.instagram.com/playfulponderers

Brianna

Educator

Hello! My name is Brianna, I also go by Bri! Working with children has always been a love and passion of mine. I have worked with children of all ages and abilities, including children with trauma, ADHD, Autism, anxiety and much more.

In my spare time I love spending time outside, enjoying walks with my dog, nature photography, and horse back riding.

My day home space is set up to be friendly and inviting for all ages and includes many different dramatic play areas. My favourite part of the space is the quiet corner that includes a children's tent and home made sensory bottles.

Looking forward to connecting with you!