Eagles Academy Offers New Preschool Option in Grain Valley

     Choosing the right childcare option for parents can be stressful for a variety of reasons. Will it be a reasonable distance from where parents work so that they can pick up and drop off their child based on the hours of the provider? How qualified and trained are the owner and staff members that operate the facility? Is the environment where my child will be spending a lot of time safe and enriching?
     Kids Life online publication explains recent research shows that the time between 0-5 years of age is the most sensitive time for brain development. More than 90 percent of brain growth occurs during this time. This is why childcare is so important. The people who care for a child during this time will have a huge impact on the growth and development of a child’s brain.
     Kids Life also cites another reason why childcare is so important is that studies show children who receive quality childcare enter school better prepared. At first researchers didn’t understand why. Quality childcare has been shown to give a child better math, spelling, and reading skills upon entry into school.
     Hunter Johnston, the proud owner of Eagle Academy has been involved with childcare since she was a student at Blue Springs South High School and was a part of Jaguar Preschool. Her love for children pushed her to become an afternoon teacher at a daycare for two years prior to deciding to seek a degree in Childhood and Family Development from the University of Central Missouri.
     Upon graduation from UCM, Johnston successfully completed an internship for ten weeks as an assistant director at a daycare prior to becoming a full time daycare assistant director for two years. Johnston has continued being a lifelong learner by earning a master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology.
     Johnston then ran a home daycare until the current building where Eagle Academy resides at 1438 S. Minter Way in Grain Valley became available. The rest as they say is history.
     The Grain Valley resident and mother of three believes her experience in her profession allows her to be personable with parents. Furthermore, Johnston perceives she has a strong sense of how things should be run without having to question herself due to things now being second nature to her when it comes to young children.
     “We are an early foundations preschool that is a home away from home. We want people to feel comfortable and safe with us,” Johnston said.
     “I have always loved the small town feel of Grain Valley. I get to know my parents and my children go the preschool as well. That will allow a group of young people to grow up together prior to heading off to school.”
     Johnston has been impressed with the support she has received from the Grain Valley Partnership during the month she has been a member.
     “Tasha (Lindsey) has organized a ribbon cutting ceremony for us and has been good about helping me network with people. My business is going to grow by word of mouth. It’s not like Wal-Mart where if you need toothpaste, that’s where you go,” Johnston said.
     “Empathy is a strength of mine that I want to share as a daycare owner. Mom’s can get stressed out and tired. I believe I understand that because I’m a working mother myself.”
     Eagle Academy’s ribbon cutting, and open house will be held on Thursday, March 12th from 5:00-7:00pm. Johnston will be offering tours and answering questions from community members. There will also be a raffle at the event for a free enrollment fee for any family that enrolls.