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From Infant through preschool, we make early education and daycare joyful, engaging and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow.

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L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants Virtual Tour Video
L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for InfantsL.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants
L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Curriculum that develops the whole child

Our L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) Curriculum uses fun, hands-on activities throughout early education to help children develop intellectually, socially and cognitively. Or as we say, to learn, play and grow.

Learn More About Our Curriculum

Characters that bring learning to life

Children love learning from characters—and studies show that it’s highly effective especially in preschool and early education. TLE® has a cast of unique, beloved characters, each one teaching children a new value or activity.

Bubbles and Friends Theme Song

261K subscribers and 60,480,577 views
Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Grace & Charity

Our dynamic doggy duo introduces the importance of being generous and giving.

Characters that bring learning to lifeMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Bubbles

Our lovable friend who takes you on a daily adventure that makes kids happy to learn, play and grow.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Lionstein®

Our wise and creative scientist who makes science fun and exciting.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Phoebe

Our literature loving llama makes reading fun.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Two Plus Toucan

Our creative mathematician helps explore the joys of math.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Penny

Our well-mannered etiquette coach demonstrates the importance of being helpful, honest, and kind.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Sonar

Our adventurous submarine reveals the many wonders of the underwater world.

Characters that bring learning to lifeMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Pablo

Our creative and artsy pig helps children discover the beauty of self-expression.

vMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Gibby

Our kind-hearted, hard-of-hearing gibbon loves to share his passion for sign language and promoting inclusivity.

Meet our TLE® Center team

Nessa Thomas

Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Nessa Thomas

Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

My name is Nessa and I am so excited to be a part of The Learning Experience! I am originally from New Jersey and have been in Virginia for 25 years. I have worked in Early Childhood for about 20 years and it is what I live and breathe! I love watching the students and teachers grow. I have my Bachelors Degree in Business Management and Leadership and my Preschool CDA. My daughter, Madison, graduated high school in 2022 and is beginning her journey as a veterinarian. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and being outdoors. My favorite color is pink and my favorite vacation spot is The Outer Banks.

Cindy McGruder

Assistant Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Cindy McGruder

Assistant Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

My name is Cindy, I have been in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. I graduated from John Tyler Community Collage in 2021 with my Associates in Early Childhood Education. I have three children Brandon, Zachary and Chelsea. I enjoy the great outdoors, reading and jigsaw puzzles. I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and your child’s growth here at TLE.

Grace Huxtable-Mount, PhD

Center Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Grace Huxtable-Mount, PhD

Center Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Dr. Grace Huxtable-Mount is the owner of multiple locations of The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education. She has been a member of the TLE family since 2008. Her career in education spans 20 years, which includes teaching children as well as leading, training, and developing other educators, while shaping positive culture in both public and private educational organizations. "At TLE, we get the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families every day. We get to introduce academics to young children in a way that instills the idea that learning is fun, which will hopefully be the beginnings of a lifetime love of learning."

Debora Hughey

Infant Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Debora Hughey

Infant Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I have been working with children for over ten years. I taught in a private school in North Carolina and love helping children feel safe. I love watching their first milestones. I’m so excited to here at The Learning Experience.

Lauren Layburn

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Lauren Layburn

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Hello, my name is Lauren! I have been an educator for almost 10 years and have worked with children of all ages. I currently have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Brightpoint Community College. I am a huge children's book lover and hope to write my own one day!

Ashley Cridlin

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ashley Cridlin

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I am Ashley! I have been working with children for 19 years. The smiles on the children's faces just make my day. I love to see them learning and growing. I have three beautiful children of my own. I love to be outdoors and taking walks.

Kaitlynn Steele

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Kaitlynn Steele

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

My name is Kaitlynn! I’ve been working in childcare for about three years and absolutely love it! I’m Canadian born and raised and lived in Idaho for about six years. I love hiking, painting, and spending time with my family.

Amanda Rivera

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Amanda Rivera

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Hi there! My name is Amanda. I’m a Puerto Rican native and a mama to 3 wonderful children. I have ten years of experience working with young children. I completed the Early Childhood Program in high school. My favorite thing is to see the children in those “ahha” moments when they develop a new skill. In my free time I enjoy dancing, baking, and going to the beach.

Ronnesha Harrison-Jones

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

Ronnesha Harrison-Jones

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

My name is Ronnesha! I love working with all age groups, the children call me Ms. NeNe. I’ve worked in a childcare center for a year. I was a nanny for 3 years prior to coming into an established center. My favorite thing to do with children is sing and read. My favorite songs are five little monkeys and ABC’s.

Ebony Cumbo

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ebony Cumbo

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Hi, my name is Ebony! I’ve worked in childcare for over ten years. I was born in New York, moved to North Carolina and now reside in Virginia. I have been married to the love of my life for eight years. Working with children of all ages is a passion of mine. I am super excited to be a part of The Learning Experience family!

Tiffany Duncan

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Tiffany Duncan

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Hi, My name is Tiffany. I have an amazing daughter named Ella and two basset hounds. I have my Associates degree in Elementary Education. I have worked with children of all ages for almost 10 years. I love watching my kids learn and grow each day.

Sarah Edwards

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

Sarah Edwards

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

Hi, my name is Sarah! I have been in childcare for six years and graduated with my Associates in Art in Early Childhood Education in May 2020. I will graduate with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education in March 2024. I love caring for children and inspiring them to learn everyday.

Lexie Puckett

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Lexie Puckett

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Hello I'm Lexie! I am a mom to a two year old little boy named Kaysen and a dog mom to a spunky Australian Shepherd named Lilah. I have worked in childcare for over 10 years with all age groups. I have my Associates in Elementary Education and currently pursuing a double major in education and psycology. I have a passion for working with children and watching them reach their milestones. A few random things about me; my favorite colors are teal and pink, Mexican food is my favorite, I enjoy crafting and being creative, I am a huge music lover, I adore spending time with my family and friends, and I absolutely love to travel. My favorite place thus far would be Thailand where I got to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary. I am excited to further my passion in childcare with The Learning Experience!

Madison Strosnider

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Madison Strosnider

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Hello! My name is Madison, I’ve worked with kids for as long as I can remember. Whether it is babysitting, swim teacher, or teaching, I love it all! I love watching each child I work with grow and develop in their own way. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend Gage and cat Biscuit. I also play field hockey on weeknights for an adult REC team!

Madison Spence

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Madison Spence

Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

My name is Madison. I have volunteered and worked in child care for many years. My favorite age group is infants because I love to watch their first milestones.

Jabria Withey

Preppers

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Jabria Withey

Preppers

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Hi, My name is Jabria. I graduated from Buckingham County High School in 2022. I have been working with children for 2 years, in a preschool and through the Early Childhood Education course during my 11th and 12th grade year in high school.

Amber Henshaw

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Amber Henshaw

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Hi, My name is Ms. Amber! I have officially been an educator since 2019. However, I have been living this dream since the second grade. I am a graduate of Radford University where I received my bachelors in Early Childhood Special Education. I look forward to my new journey here at TLE and continuing to support and inspire our early learners.

Tiffany Marlin

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Tiffany Marlin

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

My name is Tiffany, I have worked at other preschools in the past and learned that working with children is what I love the most. I have two daughters of my own. I was in the Navy for 4 years. I am excited to meet new faces and help the children in my care learn and grow.

Jeremiah Parker

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Jeremiah Parker

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

A little about me is I have only worked as a teacher since I was sixteen. My favorite thing to do is boxing, my next goal is to become a professional boxer. I’ve been boxing for three or four years. I’m going to collage for Early Childhood Education and Culinary Arts.

Nicole Woods

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Nicole Woods

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Hello! My name is Nicole. I’m originally from Queens New York, however I’ve lived in Texas, Florida, and now Virginia. I’m the third child of seven brothers and sisters. I’ve always had a passion for teaching and the youth. That’s my way of giving back to the community. I’ve been in childcare for 15 years! I am a mother to a beautiful daughter named Peyton. I am super excited to be teaching and a part of the team here at TLE.

Olivia Mazzucco

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Olivia Mazzucco

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Hi, my name is Olivia. I’m a fun and caring person, I love art! I plan to teach photography to high school students during the school year, then open my own business and do photography during the summer months. I love to work with children and help them grow and learn new things.

Madison Spence

Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Madison Spence

Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

My name is Madison. I have volunteered and worked in child care for many years. My favorite age group is infants because I love to watch their first milestones.

Candi Reynolds

Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Candi Reynolds

Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Hello, my name is Candi! I have been in childcare for a little over six years. I enjoy working with children and watching them grow and learn. I love crafting and hanging out with family and friends in my spare time. I am married and have a handsome son; I also have three bonus daughters and two loving dogs.

Christian Okon

Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Christian Okon

Float

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Hi, my name is Christian, and I am from Sandpoint, Idaho. Some of my favorite things to do are play basketball, soccer and I like to fish. My goal for the future is to go to school to become a social worker because I like helping people.

Jackie Hall

Kitchen Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Jackie Hall

Kitchen Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Hi, my name is Jackie! I have worked as a cook for 35 years. I have worked in Richmond Public Schools, the Deli and Bakery Manager at Food Lion, and I was the cook at other Preschools. I have four children and two stepchildren that I treat as if they are my own. I have four grandsons and four granddaughters that keep me very busy.

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Many ways to stay connected

We offer an easy-to-use smartphone app and an array of ways to help you stay connected.

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Monthly newsletters and invitations to our community events

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Monthly calendars

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Everyday photos of your little learner

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Blog to help you stay with the current trends

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Notifications of your child’s learning activities

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Social media

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for InfantsL.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Upcoming events

9
December

Parent Shopping Day

We would love to have our little learners join us while parents get the chance to finish up some of those holiday tasks! Sign up by Decembre 7th!

12
December

National Gingerbread House Day

We will create our own gingerbread house masterpieces today!

15
December

Ugly Sweater Day

We can't wait to see everyone in their ugly sweaters!

19
December

My Family and Me Ornament Decorating

Join us from 6:00pm-7:00pm for some quality time creating holiday ornaments together!

22
December

Pajamas, Cocoa, and Stories

We will come together during the school day to share holiday stories and cocoa, in the comfort of our pajamas!

26
December

Kwanzaa Begins

Happy Kwanzaa!

5
January

Pajama Day

Join us in your most comfortable pajamas!

8
January

National Bubble Bath Day

Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! We will spend the day learning all about bubbles!

13
January

Breakfast with Bubbles

Come join your favorite elephant for some pancakes and fruit! The cost is $5 cash and the proceeds will go to Make-A-Wish!

15
January

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

I scream, you scream, we all scream, for ice cream!

15
January

National Hat Day

Wear your favorite hat to school!

16
January

Appreciate a Dragon Day

Classes will create their own classroom dragon!

17
January

Kid Inventors Day

We can't wait to see what kind of inventions our classes come up with!

19
January

National Popcorn Day

What is your favorite popcorn topping? Everything is better with butter!

25
January

Opposite Day

Wear everything backwards!

29
January

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

We will explore everything bubble wrap!

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