
Altoona 8th Street
Child Care
Our Staff
Our teachers are dedicated to making sure your child is safe and well cared for while they are in our care, but that is just the beginning. Our goal for each child is to teach them to love to learn. This is a key component in any child's success as they begin their academic career. We do this by using many different techniques starting in infancy. We teach through games, songs, finger plays and many different activities. We also use the world around them and their own interests to spur their curiosity and encourage them to ask questions. We also use art opportunities to encourage each child to use their own limitless imagination and individuality.
Our full time teachers take upwards of 30 hours of training every year as well as having a wealth of experience in working with young children and infants. We are a state licensed facility. However, the state minimum requirements for child care do not do much to encourage truly high quality child care or education for children in child care. With that in mind, we also participate in the Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS), and are proud to be a 4 Star QRS rated child care center. The guidelines for QRS are much more stringent and there are more resources made available for us to attain those key components to high quality child care. We are proud to work with the QRS program and know you can see the constant strive towards excellence which comes from working with them.
Employees are required to submit to a background and criminal records check. Once they have been hired our employees are required to obtain CPR, First Aid, Blood Bourne Pathogens, and Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse training within their first 6 months of employment. Teachers are also required to obtain at least 20 hours of Child Development related training each year.
Our teachers plan lessons according to the needs of the classroom. They base their lessons on the Creative Curriculum Standards which is a research based curriculum.
Lead Teachers assess each child's progress several times while they are in their classroom and will collect samples of your child's work and place them in a portfolio. This portfolio will include items such as observation records, samples of creative art work, photos of your child participating in learning activities, and other useful tools for assessing your child. These are shared with parents twice each year in November and April. When your child moves to the next classroom the portfolio will move with them so that the assessments can continue and your child’s progress can be seen over the time that they are enrolled in our program. Once your child “graduates” from our Preschool Program his/her portfolio will be sent home along with his Preschool Diploma. (Due to the volume of work that is produced in each classroom, you may receive a portfolio after the child completes the 3 year old room and then again upon graduation.)
You may request a conference with your child’s teacher or the Director at anytime to discuss any concerns or issues you may have with your child’s progress, behavior, or the things that are happening in the classroom.
Miss Lori

My name is Miss Lori and I work in the Wee Ones room and I have been here at Altoona 8th Street Child Care for over 19 years, and worked with children for over 28 yrs. I have worked with infants for over 18 yrs. Some training I've had include Creative Curriculum, PITC training, and SIDS training, just to name a few.
I have been married since 1977 and have 2 grown children and 2 beautiful granddaughters. I have lived in the Des Moines area my entire life, and in just the last couple of years have now moved into Altoona.
Hello my name is Camie! I currently live in Pleasantville with my two Doberman puppies, Keani and Koda, but I am originally from Indianola. I have 1 year of experience working in a childcare facility, but have been babysitting my nieces and nephews since I was 14 years old. I enjoy working with kids, getting to know each and every one of them, and being a part of helping them learn. And I’m so happy to be a part of the 8 th street family!
Miss Camie

Hello my name is Camie! I currently live in Pleasantville with my two Doberman puppies, Keani and Koda, but I am originally from Indianola. I have 1 year of experience working in a childcare facility, but have been babysitting my nieces and nephews since I was 14 years old. I enjoy working with kids, getting to know each and every one of them, and being a part of helping them learn. And I’m so happy to be a part of the 8 th street family!
Miss Jenna

I was raised and went to school in Bondurant Iowa. I am an
only child, and enjoy baking and cooking with my mom and
grandma. I am, big into the older John Deere Tractors, older
country music and an old show called Hee Haw. I really enjoy
going out to the horse farm with my mom to help her watch
for baby horses to be born. My family and faith means a lot
to me. I love coming down to my grandparent’s farm
whenever I am able to.
Miss CaSondra
Float Teacher
0-6 month
Wee Ones &
6-12 month
Dream Team

I’m CaSondra Wilson, I previously worker for Anderson Storm Door division for 31/2 years. I from Des Moines Iowa and I have a 3 year old son named Elijah. I am very caring, outstanding hard worker and thoughtful easy going person.
Miss Alexis
Teacher
Toddlers
Zoo Crew

Hi my name is Alexis and currently new to childcare and have lived I Iowa my whole life. I am a blended family with 9 siblings, the oldest is 25 and the youngest is 9, and I love to care for all of my sibling and took care of them for many years. I am not married but will soon be and I and my fiancé have 2 dogs that are Chihuahua, and dachshund mix and they are mother and daughter.
Miss Kaylene
Teacher
Toddlers
Zoo Crew
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My name is Kaylene. I have worked in childcare for 13 years. I love teaching children and watching them learn and grow every day. I love reading. Teaching is my passion. I’m married
to my wonderful husband, Chad. We have two adorable dogs.
Miss Tanya
Teacher - 2's
Bumble Bees

Hi my name is Tanya, I’ve lived in Altoona most of my life. I have 6 kids, youngest is 14, oldest is 29(3 girls, 3 Boys). I’m married 9 yrs. now, we are a blended but blessed family. I’ve been in child care for about 25 yrs. also babysat kids starting when I was 11 yrs. old. I worked here previously & was here for 5 yrs. became a CNA for a bit, then worked at Ankeny Christian Child Care for 7 yrs. and now I’m back. I have 1dog, 3 cats, continental giant bunny, 2 new zeland-flemish giant mixed bunnies and one of my sons have a gecko. I love animals, spending time w/family, and hiking, anything outside, camping and last but not least I’m a Christian and love God! W/out him I would have nothing.
Miss Megan
Teacher - 2's
Bumble Bees

Hi my name is Megan and I have been taking care of children most of my life. Starting with my grandma’s in home day care as a teenager and most recently at a day care in Ankeny working with infants for the past 5 yrs. I have 2 boys, 2 cats, and 2 dogs. I enjoy fun adventures in nature, art and taking long walks with my dogs. I look forward to getting to know all the children and their families!
Miss Brittany
Floater Teacher - Toddlers Zoo Crew & 2's Bumble Bees

Hi my name is Brittany, I love reading, crafts and light hearted fun, I am an overall nerd. I love
playing with children vs. just watching them.
Miss Brooke
Teacher - older 2's & younger 3's
Honey Bees

Hello! My name is Brooke, and I recently just graduated from Colfax-Mingo high school. I graduated in 2020, and decided to hold off on college until I decide what I want to do. I love spending time outdoors, with my friends and family. I have a husky who takes up most of my time. She is my whole world. I am glad to be part of this great environment and call Altoona 8th Street Child Care my workplace.
Miss Alayna
Teacher - older 2's & younger 3's
Honey Bees

Hi my name is Miss Alayna. I have a 1 year old little boy named Hudson and an amazing boyfriend named Jesse. I have been a teacher for day-care for about 4 years now. I love hiking and dogs. We love being outside as much as possible. I am super excited to meet you and your kids, I love being a teacher!
Miss Kalea
Teacher
older 3'S
Wiz Kids

My name is Kalea and I have 3 sons. I live in Altoona. I previously worked here for a while. I
love to travel, cook, and read! I’m super excited to be here. It’s a Great Day to Have a Great Day!
Miss Margaret
Teacher

My name is Miss Margaret and I have been working at Altoona 8th Street Child Care since October 2013. I have actually worked in child care for over 28 years and have a one year degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a passion for working with the younger children. I live in Luther with my husband and 3 children.
Miss Jamie

My name is Jamie Cirksena. I live in Indianola, Ia. I have 3 children, Kaden is my 13 yr. Old and loves to play games and skateboard. Jadelynn is 13 yrs. old and is a girly girl. Then I have Maxton who is 9 yrs. old and is my baby. I enjoy doing crafts activities or hands on material. I enjoy teaching kids and watching them grow. I hope to continue my early childhood education through Altoona 8th Street Child Care and excited to grow here.
Miss Gina

My name is Miss. Gina. I have been at this center since 2016 and prior to that I worked here from 2009-2013. I live in Des Moines with my husband Heriberto and our 5 sons. We also have two dogs named Bonita and Simba. I have been in childcare for 15 years and look forward to helping you and your children learn and grow. I have worked with all ages from newborn to school age and love all ages I have worked with. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know!
Miss Taylor

My name is Taylor Lewis, I am a 2020 Graduate of Colfax Mingo Jr/Sr High I am just now beginning my career in the Child Care field. Growing up I did a lot of different babysitting jobs, which gave me the passion to want to work with children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. In the future I would like to expand my education into early child development or child psychology.
Miss Sam

Hi! My name is Sam. I currently live in Altoona and am finishing High School. I have 2 older brothers, 2 cats Max & Leo, and I’m involved in competition dance at my dance studio. Most recently I was a nanny for a family with 2 kids, one of them with special needs. I have always wanted a career working with children, but that experience has sparked a passion to work with special needs children in some way. I love getting to know each child’s different personalities and I’m excited to be a part of the 8th street family!
Miss Deb

My name is Ms. Debra. I’ve been recently employed to work at Altoona 8th Street Child Care Center. For many years I worked at many food establishments. I enjoy working with my hands and preparing meals for others. I am down to earth in my way of thinking and may ask questions with peoples likes and dislikes regarding meal preparations. I also like meeting people and
getting to know them.