Staff Report
It was about five years ago when a casual conversation took place between Karen Liebler, founder of A Children’s Kastle Early Learning Centers and a local banking officer. Liebler learned through this conversation of John and Kay Sullivan’s vision of including an early learning center into the development of the Winthrop Village. After a brief meeting between John, his assistant, Bryant Martinez, and the mother and son team Karen and Jeff Liebler; a business relationship was born and five years later, a dream is coming to fruition.
Karen has more than 20 years of experience leading people and organizations to maximize efficiency and attain goals. She served on the governor’s task force for NY State’s Universal Pre-K initiative, and among other things, is a previous multi-site owner of A Children’s Kastle Early Learning Center with five locations in upstate NY. She expanded the operation to Florida, is the CEO and operations director of A Children’s Kastle Early Learning Center Inc, and is a church consultant assisting with childcare programming feasibility studies and start-ups.
The 6,300 sq. ft. building will bear a nostalgic “little red school house” elevation and is on track to open Wednesday, July 1 of this year. The school will have two wings, one hosting Infants and Toddlers, the other hosting preschool and after school programs. Its faith-based curriculum and credentialed staff sets it apart from an ordinary child care facility.
The mission statement for A Children’s Castle states, “A Children’s Kastle is firmly committed to providing quality care to children. We believe each child has unique, God given capabilities. We offer a Christian based program that provides ample opportunities through exploring the hands-on materials in our age appropriate learning centers. We will promote self-confidence, curiosity, creativity, and self-esteem. We believe the most effective way in teaching children is through the example set by Christian teaching. We are committed to the continuous education of our staff in the area of child development. We will work as a team to accomplish our goals and to provide a working atmosphere of harmony. ”
The Liebler’s believe the most effective way in teaching children is through the example set by Christian teaching. “We are committed to the continuous education of our staff in the area of child development. We will work as a team to accomplish our goals and to provide a working atmosphere of harmony,” said Karen.
The Liebler’s are already seeking additional space and are seeking other local businesses to provide drama club, music lessons, dance, and even karate lessons for the after school program. Currently, A Children’s Kastle is accepting student applications for ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.
For more information regarding campus locations, student registration or curriculum, please call 654-9400 or e-mail childrenskastle.winthrop@gmail.com.
