About Totally Awesome Childcare & Preschool in Monroe
Totally Awesome Childcare & Preschool is a nurturing, play-based Preschool in Monroe. We care for children from 6 months to 12 years, offering age-appropriate resources and activities that promote growth and development, preparing them for preschool and beyond.
Our Learning Environment
At Totally Awesome, we believe the space children learn in should be just as inspiring as the experiences themselves. Our classrooms and play areas are intentionally designed to spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and invite creativity.
With soft natural light, open-ended materials, and plenty of room to explore, every corner of our environment is set up to support child-led discovery. We view the environment as the “third teacher”, a partner in learning that helps foster independence, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging within the classroom community.
Children are encouraged to take ownership of their space, follow their interests, and engage in meaningful play that reflects who they are and what they’re learning.
Passionate Educators
At Totally Awesome, our team is made up of dedicated early childhood professionals who believe in the power of child-led learning and meaningful connection. Rooted in the values of Reggio Emilia, our educators serve as guides, observing, listening, and documenting each child’s unique journey to support their growth and discovery.
They don’t just create lessons, they create intentional, engaging experiences that reflect each child’s strengths, interests, and natural curiosity.
Through strong, nurturing relationships with children and families, our educators help build a classroom community where every child feels seen, heard, and truly valued.
Our Philosophy
We embrace learning and creativity by blending indoor and outdoor classrooms. Our environment empowers children to explore, learn, and play in a safe, supportive setting.
We strive to ignite a lifelong love of learning in every child by providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters curiosity and creativity.
Who We Are
Totally Awesome Childcare & Preschool was founded in 2017 by Angela Leslie. We aim to create a space that nurtures early learning in a fun, safe environment where children from 6 months to 12 years can explore and discover the world around them.
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Our Monroe Location
When you visit Totally Awesome Childcare & Preschool, you’ll see what makes us different! Our Monroe facility is designed to support every child’s learning journey. We offer:
The Best Childcare and Preschool in Monroe, MI for your child!
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Merging Teaching and Childcare
We offer a variety of programs, including:
Explorers
Teacher-to-Student Ratio: 4:1
Ages: 6 weeks - 2.5 years
Our Explorers Rooms are warm, nurturing spaces where safety and exploration come together. With secure, child-friendly materials and a play-based curriculum, we focus on key milestones like motor skill development and sensory exploration. Outdoor play is a core part of our program, encouraging infants and toddlers to connect with nature. We keep parents informed through the Brightwheel App, sharing important updates on their child’s day.
Discoverers
Teacher-to-Student Ratio: 8:1
Ages: 2.5 - 4 years
Our Discoverers program is designed for social interaction and hands-on learning. Children explore various interest areas such as sensory bins and art stations, sparking creativity and imagination. Circle time fosters connection, and outdoor activities promote physical and sensory development, with spaces for climbing and gardening. We embrace the “1,000 hours outside” initiative, encouraging children to play, explore, and connect with nature.
Inventors
Teacher-to-Student Ratio: 12:1
Ages: 4 - 5 years
Our Inventors program encourages creativity and lifelong learning through a play-based curriculum. Daily circle time helps build social skills and language development, while our outdoor space supports physical activity and imaginative play. Teachers focus on developing resilience, empathy, and self-confidence, integrating academic skills that prepare children for kindergarten.
GSRP Program
Teacher-to-Student Ratio: 8:1
Ages: 4 years
As part of Michigan's Great Start to Readiness Program (GSRP), our 4-year-old classroom offers a structured educational environment focused on creativity and exploration. Using the Creative Curriculum, children engage in play, discovery, and self-expression. We offer wrap-around care for families needing extended hours, providing a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.
Summer Camp
Ages: 5 - 12 years
Our Summer Camp program is packed with themed activities, water play, and special events designed to spark creativity, academic growth, and personal development. With no additional registration fee, children enjoy a fun, safe environment with plenty of outdoor play, hands-on projects, and memorable experiences. It’s the perfect way for children to explore, make new friends, and discover their passions during the summer months!
Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of each child, ensuring they are prepared for further education and equipped with essential life skills.
About Our Team
The Totally Awesome Childcare & Preschool team is dedicated to your child’s success. Our passionate educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and creativity to every classroom.
What to Expect from Totally Awesome Childcare & Preschool
We are committed to providing the best childcare experience for your family. When you choose us, you can expect:
Healthy meals that cater to dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegan, etc.
Flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules, including date nights and weekends.
Field trips and special events like career days, guest speakers, and more!
Outdoor play that encourages children to engage with nature.
A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honored and respected.
Interactive activities that spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and invite children to express themselves creatively while developing confidence.
Provocations & invitations thoughtfully prepared to ignite children’s imagination and inspire independent exploration, using unique textures, natural materials, and interesting objects.
Collaborative projects where children work together on long-term activities like building structures or creating class murals, promoting teamwork and deep thinking.
Sensory experiences that engage all five senses and help children explore and express themselves freely through art, textured materials, and joyful play.
Nature explorations that connect children with the outdoors, helping them appreciate and respect the world around them while fostering creativity.
Documentation & reflection, where children are encouraged to document their learning through photos, drawings, and conversations, allowing them to revisit their ideas and expand their thinking.
Storytelling & dramatic play that brings imagination to life with props, costumes, and materials to help children explore emotions, retell stories, and create their own adventures.
Fostering independence by providing open-ended materials and hands-on experiences that allow children to make their own choices, set goals, and take pride in their growth.
Building relationships through responsive interactions and being fully present with each child, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Collaborative projects & group work that foster communication, teamwork, and shared problem-solving, helping children express their thoughts and value the perspectives of others.
Family engagement through strong, respectful partnerships with parents ensures that families feel welcomed, heard, and involved in their child’s growth.