Scroll below and discover what Wildflowers is all about!
OUR SERVICES
MISSION STATEMENT
CURRICULUM
MEET THE TEAM
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUPPORT US
FAQS
Interested in joining our Wildflowers family?
Fill out some information below, and we’ll contact you shortly!
We can’t wait to learn more about you and your little one!
Rooted in Love, Growing with Joy
Our Interest Form is linked below through Brightwheel.
Filling out this form does not guarantee enrollment, but it ensures you're added to our contact list for upcoming openings, tours, and enrollment opportunities. Once submitted, a member of our team will reach out to follow up and answer any questions you may have.
Our Services
Our infant program provides a warm, nurturing environment where babies (6 weeks to 18 months) can grow and thrive. Through gentle care, sensory exploration, and strong caregiver bonds, we support each child's early development at their own pace. With cozy spaces, engaging activities, and close communication with families, we help every little wildflower bloom beautifully.
Our toddler program (18 months to 3 years) encourages active exploration, creativity, and independence. Toddlers build early language, social skills, and confidence in a safe and supportive environment through hands-on learning, music, art, and play. Every day is a new adventure as we help our little wildflowers grow strong roots for a lifelong love of learning.
Our preschool Program (ages 3–5) nurtures a love of learning through play, exploration, and creativity. We focus on building early literacy, math, social, and problem-solving skills in a fun, hands-on environment. With a balance of structured activities and child-led discovery, we prepare each little wildflower for a bright and confident transition to kindergarten.
Why Wildflowers Daycare Was Created
Wildflowers Daycare was created from my lifelong passion for teaching, nurturing, and caring for children. From my earliest experiences working with young children, I knew that creating a safe, loving, and engaging environment was where my heart belonged. I believe the early years of a child’s life are some of the most important, and I feel honored to be a part of the moments where children learn, grow, explore, and discover who they are.
After years of experience in early childhood education, I wanted to create a place where children and families felt truly supported. Wildflowers was created to be more than just childcare; it was created to be a second home. A place where children feel safe, valued, encouraged, and loved. A place where families can feel confident knowing their child is surrounded by care, connection, and meaningful learning experiences each day.
Wildflowers Daycare began as an in-home daycare, allowing me to provide a warm, family-like environment where children receive individualized attention, strong relationships, and a sense of belonging. Being a smaller setting allows me to truly know each child, understand their unique needs, and create meaningful connections with every family. However, while we may be starting small, the vision for Wildflowers is anything but small.
The name Wildflowers represents the belief that every child is unique and grows in their own beautiful way. Just like a wildflower, children need patience, support, and nurturing care to thrive. When given the right environment, opportunities, and encouragement, they are able to grow into something extraordinary.
"A seed may start small, but with patience, nurturing, dedication, and love, it grows into something beautiful. Children are no different. With the right foundation and care, they will bloom in their own time and in their own way."
As Wildflowers continues to grow, my dream is to expand beyond our in-home beginnings and create a larger space that serves even more children and families in my hometown community. While we may be a small program today, we do not plan to stay small forever. My hope is to build a place where even more families can find trusted, high-quality early childhood education and where children have a space that feels like their second home.
I want Wildflowers to continue being a place where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow while feeling a true sense of belonging. Through expansion, my goal is to give back to the community that has supported me by creating more opportunities for children and families while maintaining the heart and values that started it all.
Wildflowers Daycare is more than a program; it is a passion, a purpose, and a promise to provide children with the care, connection, and foundation they deserve.
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Mission Statement
At Wildflowers Daycare, we believe that every child is unique, just like wildflowers. Our philosophy revolves around fostering individuality, creativity, and holistic development. We aim to create a warm and inviting space that encourages exploration and learning through play, while also respecting each child's unique journey.
We strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children feel valued and supported as they grow and develop at their own pace.
More Information
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Our educational philosophy is inspired by child-led and play-based learning models such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia, with a focus on:
Individuality and Inclusion – Every child is valued for their unique abilities and learning style.
Hands-On Learning – Children learn best through direct experiences and exploration.
Creativity and Imagination – Open-ended play and creative projects are encouraged daily.
Emotional and Social Growth – We teach children how to express feelings, resolve conflicts, and build friendships.
Nature and Environmental Awareness – Outdoor play and nature-based activities are integrated into daily routines.
Parent and Community Partnerships – Building trust and collaboration with families and the local community.e -
At Wildflowers Daycare, we follow a Montessori-inspired approach to early childhood education.
The Montessori method is based on the philosophy that children learn best through hands-on experiences, independent exploration, and self-directed learning in a thoughtfully prepared environment.In our Montessori classrooms, you will find:
Child-sized materials and furniture that encourage independence and responsibility.
Hands-on learning activities that develop practical life skills, early math, language, science, and sensory awareness.
Freedom within limits, allowing children to choose their work while learning respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
Individualized learning, where teachers observe each child's interests and development and gently guide them to the next challenge when they are ready.
Our goal is to foster confidence, curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning — nurturing every child's unique potential.
At Wildflowers Daycare, we believe that with the right support, every child will blossom beautifully at their own pace. -
At Wildflowers Daycare, we embrace the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, which views children as capable, curious, and full of potential. This philosophy encourages learning through exploration, creativity, and collaboration, allowing each child to guide their own educational journey.
Key elements of our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum include:
Child-Centered Exploration: Children are encouraged to pursue their interests, fostering a love for learning through self-directed activities.​
Project-Based Learning: Long-term projects emerge from children's questions and ideas, promoting deep engagement and critical thinking.​
The Hundred Languages of Children: We support multiple forms of expression—such as art, music, movement, and storytelling—enabling children to communicate their understanding in diverse ways.​
Environment as the Third Teacher: Our thoughtfully designed spaces inspire curiosity and interaction, reinforcing the connection between the child and their surroundings.​
Collaborative Relationships: Teachers, children, and families work together, creating a community that values shared learning and mutual respect.​
By integrating these principles, Wildflowers Daycare provides a nurturing environment where children can thrive, developing confidence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for discovery.
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At Wildflowers Daycare, we believe every child has a voice, and our role is to help them discover the many ways they can communicate. Language development is woven into our daily routines through conversations, songs, stories, play, and meaningful interactions with others.
We incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish into our learning experiences to provide children with multiple ways to connect, communicate, and understand the world around them. These languages are naturally introduced while learning concepts such as shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and everyday vocabulary.
ASL supports early communication by giving children a way to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions before they are fully able to communicate verbally. Using signs alongside spoken words helps build vocabulary, encourages confidence, supports social interactions, and allows children to feel understood as they develop their language skills.
Spanish exposure is incorporated through songs, counting, greetings, classroom routines, and vocabulary. Introducing children to a second language at an early age supports listening skills, memory development, problem-solving, and an appreciation for different cultures and forms of communication.
At Wildflowers Daycare, we believe language learning should be engaging, natural, and meaningful. Through a combination of spoken language, ASL, and Spanish, children are encouraged to explore, participate, and build strong communication skills that will support them throughout their early childhood journey.
Meet the Teacher
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Hi, I’m McKenzie Harms! Working with young children and supporting their growth has always been my greatest passion. I graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (specializing in Birth through 4th Grade) along with a Special Education Endorsement. I also hold an Associate of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, giving me a strong foundation in both child development and family engagement.
I have five years of experience as a Lead Toddler Teacher at Peace Lutheran Church and School, where I specialized in creating play-based learning environments that support children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. I’ve also had the joy of working as a Primary Teacher at the Montessori School of Aberdeen, at the SDSU Preschool Lab, and at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota—each experience reinforcing my belief that learning should be hands-on, joyful, and child-led.
I bring strengths in curriculum planning, behavior guidance, and building strong partnerships with families. At Wildflowers Daycare, I’m committed to creating a welcoming, nurturing space where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to grow at their own pace—just like a wildflower.
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Bachelor of Science (BS) – Early Childhood Education (Birth–4th Grade), South Dakota State University
Special Education Endorsement, South Dakota State University
Associate of Science (AS) – Human Development and Family Studies, South Dakota State University
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CPR and First Aid Certification – Infant, Child, and Adult
Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training
Health and Safety Training (state licensing requirement)
Safe Sleep Practices for Infants Training
Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Prevention Training
Positive Behavior Guidance and Support Training
Inclusive Practices for Children with Special Needs (linked to Special Education Endorsement)
Emergency Preparedness and Response Training
Infectious Disease Control in Early Childhood Settings
Professional Development Hours in Early Childhood Education and Special Education
FAQs
What ages do you accept?
We welcome children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in our infant, toddler, and preschool programs.
What are your hours of operation?
Wildflowers Daycare is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
What curriculum do you use?
We offer a play-based learning environment inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches.
Our curriculum encourages hands-on exploration, creativity, independence, and social-emotional growth.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes! We provide nutritious snacks and meals daily.
We follow healthy eating guidelines and can accommodate certain dietary needs with advance notice.
How do you handle naps and rest time?
Infants follow their own nap schedules.
Toddlers and preschoolers have a quiet rest period after lunch in a cozy, calming environment.
Are you a licensed childcare provider?
Yes, we are licensed through the state and city!
How do you communicate with parents?
We believe in strong partnerships with families!
We provide daily updates through Brightwheel, monthly newsletters, and regular parent-teacher conferences.
How do you support children's emotional development?
We use positive guidance techniques and model empathy, kindness, and problem-solving.
Building emotional security and confidence is a key part of our daily routines and learning experiences.
How can I enroll my child?
We’d love to welcome your family!
To enroll, simply fill out our enrollment form through Brightwheel or contact us to schedule a tour and meet our team.
