Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Gilpin County. In 1996 Gilpin County donated land and started a non-profit early learning center. For the last 23 years Eagles’ Nest had been providing childcare and preschool for children in Gilpin, Boulder, Jefferson and Clear Creek counties. 

Approximately 40 children ages eight weeks to five years old are currently enrolled at Eagles’ Nest. There is an infant room, toddler room and preschool. There are 12 teachers, a full time cook, Assistant Director Alyson Brown and Executive Director Kayla Lowe. 

Ms. Lowe had been leading Eagles’ Nest for two years. She says, “Eagles’ Nest is developing as a school to meet higher standards for our kids. Our staff exceeds expectations and we are constantly striving for higher quality education.”

Eagles’ Nest is an accredited Level 3 Colorado Shines early learning center. They accept CCAP, childcare financial assistance, and every room has a lower teacher to child ratio then the state requires. In each room there is also a qualified supervisor. The supervisor overseas the classroom and the teachers. Neva Gomez in the supervisor in the infant nursery, Salina Gomez is in the toddler 1 room, Stephanie Wagner is in the toddler 2 room and Angela Essex in preschool. 

Lowe is proud of the sense of community with families that has developed and the Creative Curriculum that they use. Lowe says, “The classrooms are detail oriented to meet the needs of our students.” The teachers help students with gross motor skills, fine motor skills and creative exploration.

The curriculum includes art, music, science, social studies, dramatic play and gardening.

The gardening idea really took off and Lowe organized a program where families could purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. For her efforts, Lowe was awarded the 2019 Triad Children’s Champion Award. She is committed to improving the lives of the families at Eagles’ Nest. 

Lowe also works closely with a Board of Directors who are parents of children that attend Eagles’ Nest. The Board of Directors oversees policies and procedures regarding the staff and students. They oversee the general operation of the center and work with the Executive Director on fundraising. Currently, they are working on writing grants to expand and improve the playgrounds. 

Eagles’ Nest would like to invite families and community members to their Open House on October 24, from 5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. There will be games, snacks and prizes. This is also a chance to tour the facility and get information. 

The words eagle’s nest evokes the feelings of security, warmth and care. Lowe and her staff strive to provide just that for the families they serve. 

For more information contact Eagles’ Nest Learning Center, 10655 Highway 119, Black Hawk, CO. Call 303-582-0895 or email kaylal@eaglesnestelc.org.

(Originally published in the September 26, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)