Aspen Lakes Discovery Center
Holistic childcare for children aged 1-9
About Us
Aspen Lakes Discovery Center is a team-built dream-come-true for us.
After getting to know one another in an early learning and childcare setting,
we realized that we were more passionate about caring for children than we ever knew was possible.
Kendra Deutscher
I am a proud life-long member of the Blackfalds community. I was born and raised in town and to be honest, I don't think I'll ever leave. My mom was my biggest influence in how to guide and educate children; she was always very patient, relaxed, and let me guide my own learning. I went to Red Deer College in 2010 to achieve a Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare.
I continued to educate children from ages 12 months to 6 years until I had my daughter, Indiana, and married my husband, Max.After my maternity leave ended, I felt the sudden anxiety spike that came along with putting Indiana into care. Will she be loved? Respected as a unique individual? Will I feel welcome/invited? Will my families routines and traditions be honoured? Will she be challenged, while safe? Will she have ample opportunity to explore a natural environment?
It clicked for me that with my understanding of best practices in early education, I NEEDED to open a holistic childcare center. I wanted a childcare center in Blackfalds that I would be proud to put her in - with tons of natural light and resources, local food and eco-friendly products, supported staff, and a huge emphasis on her relationship with herself, the people around her, and her natural world. ​
When I met Kayla and we began talking about our dreams and goals, we slowly put them together like two puzzle pieces.
.jpg)
Kayla Guimond
I moved to the town of Blackfalds in the year 2001 when I was 6 years old. I attended the French immersion program in Lacombe and graduated with my bilingual certificate. I grew up with my two younger siblings which gave me a passion for working with children right away.
After high school, I worked for a year and then decided to go into open studies at RDC. During my time in open studies I was offered a position in a new daycare, where I soon discovered my passion for early childhood education. I then completed the diploma program in Early Learning and Childcare.
When I first met Kendra while we worked together in a daycare, we became fast friends. We would get together for coffee and talk about our dreams and futures.
Over time, we came up with the idea to open a Reggio-inspired daycare center to share our love of childcare with everyone around us. With the help of my parents, Pat and Bonnie, we soon started planning out the details of what became Aspen Lakes Discovery Center. Aspen Lakes Discovery Center is a family grown and operated daycare with the help of both mine and Kendra’s families, and our friends. We are honored to share our passion and love of early childhood education with the community of Blackfalds.
I am so grateful for my husband, Nick, who has been by my side through the journey of ALDC. We share two beautiful children, Ava and Bennett. My heart feels full knowing the quality of care my (and your) children will receive when attending Aspen Lakes. I am proud of the childhood education the children of Blackfalds will walk away with from Aspen Lakes Discovery Center!