Our Mission 

The mission of the Paidea Child Development Center is to provide a caring, stimulating educational program which improves the quality of life for each child and their family.

We accomplish our mission by providing a wide variety of learning opportunities for the children, educational and support services for parents, and continual training and development of staff. 

We receive support through the cooperative services of the community and our commitment to open communication with parents and responsiveness to their needs.

Working with children, parents, teachers and families is my passion.  Through Paidea, I have had the opportunity to form close, long-lasting relationships through daily interaction with the children and their families as well as staff.

Here are a few stories I want to share to give you an idea of why my work means so much to me.

Working with the Children

On various occasions, when a child has an "off" day, causing them to act inappropriately in class, teachers will bring them to my office.  We use various strategies to help determine what's bothering them.  For example, I ask them questions, have them draw pictures, or sometimes we find the child just wants to be held.  I remember one little boy where nothing seemed to fit.  Then, when he was ready to go back to class, he turned to me and said, "I don't want to get my haircut today either!"  We forget how something as small as getting a haircut can weigh on these little minds.

It is important to teach children about their feelings.  How to identify them in themselves and others, and equally important, how to convey their feelings in an appropriate manner.  We know we're successful when we hear little ones say, "I'm frustrated!", but it's even more fulfilling to hear them convey positive feelings.  I remember walking past the playground and having a little girl run up to the fence and shout "Lynn, I love you!"

Working with Families

Supporting families is a very important part of my role at Paidea.  Two stories that are especially meaningful to me are these: 

• I received a call from a parent whose father-in-law had passed away unexpectedly.  She was very upset and asked if I would help her tell the children.  I was saddened by her news, but honored that she looked to me to help convey this life changing experience to her children.

• A former Paidea Parent called whose child, now in 2nd grade, was having trouble with friends.  She told me her son said, "Can we go talk to Lynn?" 
  
  I was flattered that he thought of me as an advocate to help, because it's these types of interpersonal and problem-solving skills we teach every day to our young children.

Working with Teachers

Teachers are Paidea greatest strength.  They embrace our philosophy which strengthens our team.  We are continually adding new ideas and working together to help children.   I love to mentor the teachers and watch them growth both professionally and personally.

There is a profound sense of 'community' among our staff that extends beyond Paidea.  Not only do I meet with teachers for work-related issues, but I am often consulted to help them with personal and relationship issues.  We support each other in our work lives, and often spend time together outside of Paidea.  We've been horse-back riding, traveled to Duluth for the weekend, gone on a riverboat ride and have shared many other wonderful memories.

I believe it's this sense of family that has kept these incredible teachers with Paidea for so many years.

The Paidea Community

I am always amazed at the wonderful community we have at Paidea.  For example, in June, we have a picnic.  Each year, I watch 250-300 parents and children enjoy their evening.  They also join us to march in the Oakdale Kiddie Parade, or to clean up Paidea's yard during our "Spring Cleanup Day".  It warms my heart to watch parents and children work together.

At one time, a group of working moms, who were feeling the pressure of increased work loads and family pulls, decided they could help each other.  So they started meeting for lunch.  I was thrilled to receive an invitation to join their group.

Of course, it doesn't stop when children move on from Paidea.  Every spring, former "Paidea kids" now in high school and college call to see if there are job openings.  Four have taught alongside their pre-school teachers.

I could go on and on.  These stories fill my heart and soul and bring me joy.  Paidea is a special place.  I invite you to come visit and see if Paidea is what you have been looking for.

Lynn Jessen
Owner / Director
Paidea Child Development Center