It still seems a bit surreal that Lakes Early Learning Center is now a reality for our family.  For as long as Emily can remember, she’s had a love for kids.  She spent evenings, weekends, & summers babysitting, and before she was old enough to babysit on her own, she tagged along with her older sisters. Emily spent many summers nannying, including a summer in Rhode Island as a live-in nanny.  As Emily was finishing high school and making plans for her future, she decided to attend Central College and major in Business and Spanish.  After college, Emily entered the working world and had the privilege of working with a team of financial planners as their office manager.  However, in the back of her mind, Emily always had this thought about a career with children but going back to school right away to pursue a different career wasn't in the cards at that time.  So, she continued to volunteer with children’s ministries at church and as a mentor with Everybody Wins! Iowa.  After a lot of thought and prayer, Emily & Tom decided Emily should go for it and make a career change.  Emily had the opportunity to be the director at an early learning center in the area.  During that time, her desire to work with children long term was solidified, and they became confident that owning an early learning center was what they wanted for their future.  The Feldmans live within the North Polk School District, and they frequently hear from friends & family how hard it is to find childcare in Polk City.  So, they got busy and started exploring their options, and here they are  getting ready to open Lakes Early Learning Center.  

 

As a family owned & operated center, you are sure to see us on a regular basis.  As the director, Emily oversees the day-to-day operations of Lakes ELC.  Emily believes smiles are contagious.  So if you see her, even bright & early on Monday morning, you can almost bet she has a smile on her face and that you’ll leave smiling too.  Lakes ELC will surely become Holland and Sullivan's second home.  Going to work with mom isn’t so bad when you get to see your friends every day!  It’s never boring…except maybe on the weekends when their friends aren’t there.  Tom’s role is a bit more behind the scenes.  If there’s something that needs to be repaired, Mr. Tom is our guy.  He keeps Lakes ELC in tip top shape!

 

This area is home to us, and we can't think of a better way to grow our roots deeper here than to provide an additional childcare option to our growing community.  We can’t wait to be able to serve this community and look forward to welcoming you into the Lakes ELC family!

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