About Us
Who We Are
Little Rock Early Learning Center is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization seeking to serve our community and support local families by providing quality, accessible, Christ-centered childcare and early childhood education. We offer full time and part time care for children ages 3 months to 5 years old. In addition, we offer half day Preschool (ages 3-4) and Prekindergarten (ages 4-5) for children. Our program has been carefully planned to provide a variety of learning experiences to help develop physical, cognitive, social, behavioral, and emotional skills in your child, and to foster excellence in our students academically, relationally, and spiritually.
Mission
Our mission is to provide accessible, Christ-centered preschool and daycare services that empower families through collaborative partnerships and excellence in care.
Program Philosophy
Little Rock Early Learning Center equips our students with a biblical worldview as they build and develop a solid foundation for their futures (Matthew 7:24-25). Our curriculum presents students with developmentally appropriate content and skills. This comprehensive system is intentionally designed for the effective spiritual, social, emotional, behavioral, and academic development of the whole child.
Little Rock is dedicated to supporting our teachers in their use of instructional strategies identified as “best practices” through quality research (Colossians 3:23). Since each student has been uniquely created with strengths and talents (Psalm 139:14, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Ephesians 2:10), Little Rock provides individual attention in appropriately sized class settings. This structure helps each student grow as a learner with clear developmental goals.
These goals address:
Meet Our Director
Laura Anderson, MAT
Laura leads Little Rock Early Learning Center with a deep commitment to family partnership and Christ-centered education.
Assistant Director
April Brost
April combines 25+ years of experience working with children with 5+ years in financial operations and billing. A former home daycare owner and longtime lead teacher, she is certified in pediatric first aid/CPR and trauma-informed care. She brings patience, empathy, and expertise to both the classroom and the business side of our center. As a mom of four, she understands what families are looking for in a childcare provider and treats every child in our care with the same warmth and attention she gives her own.
Erin Herrick
Pre-K Teacher
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from University of Alaska Southeast
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Alaska
- Licensed Teacher with the state of Alaska
- Pediatric first aid/CPR trained
- 5+ years of experience working with children in public school, home school co-op, and in various volunteer positions
Anna Socha
Preschool Classroom Lead
- Certificate in Biblical Studies from Alaska Bible Institute
- Pediatric first aid/CPR trained
- 4+ years experience working with children in a childcare setting and as a volunteer
Talia VanEe
Toddler Classroom Lead
- Pediatric first aid/CPR trained
- 5+ years of experience working with children of all abilities, including children with disabilities and diverse learning needs
Natalie Hinsberger
Childcare Associate
- Graduate of Homer High School
- Pediatric first aid/CPR trained
- Experience working with children as a nanny and volunteer
Meet Our Board of Directors
President – Aaron Weisser, PhD
Vice President/Treasurer – Linda Engebretsen
Secretary – Amy Sundheim, M.Ed, Ed.S, BCBA
Director – Jill Zank, MS, CCC-SLP
Director – Drew Simpson
Director – Hans Amen, DO