Zimtor Family Child Care is a new child care home dedicated to responsive, child-centered care and education. It borrows from the work of Johann Pestalozzi, Maria Montessori, John Dewey, A.S. Neill, Magda Gerber, William Sears, and other philosophies of education and child rearing that emphasize the child's independence and competence. Throughout my career working with young children, I have always used this approach, and I have always found it remarkably successful.
—Lewis Campbell, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Zimtor offers:
A Highly Qualified Caregiver
I hold multiple teaching licences and have worked with young children over a period of more than fifty years. For more information, see the Caregiver page.
Licensed Care
Zimtor is licensed by the State of Minnesota for ten children ages six weeks through twelve years. I choose to serve only children ages six weeks through through five years.
An Electronics-Free Environment
Electronic devices are neither used nor allowed at Zimtor. Instead, children keep busy with activities that engage their creativity and independence.
An Emphasis on Education
I strive to provide an educationally rich experience for every child. I offer activities every day in the areas of language development, mathematical thinking, and science as appropriate. For infants and toddlers, this involves things like reading and singing, exposure to a wide variety of sensory objects like contrasting fabrics, and exploring the outdoors. For preschoolers it involves more formal activities like phonics, counting, and hypothesis testing.
Regular Field Trips
I take all children in care on field trips several times a week. Typical field trip destinations include parks, libraries, museums, and historical sites. Nearby Battle Creek Regional Park is a frequent destination.
A Problem-Solving Approach to Conflicts
Conflicts are resolved through problem solving in which the goal is to find a solution satisfactory to everyone.
A Universal Vaccination Requirement
To protect every child, I require all children to be vaccinated in accord with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) schedule. The only exceptions are those provided for by the CDC. However, I do not presently require any Covid vaccines.
Complete Commitment
I regard your child as a member of my family while in my care. Regardless of your child's health or behavior, I am committed to caring for your child during child care hours. (In exceptional cases of long duration, I may ask you to find a more appropriate care setting.)
A Nondiscriminitory Policy
Of course, Zimtor admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to children in care. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other care-administered programs.