Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Preschool & Childcare Center in Salt Lake City
At Child Time Academy, we believe every child is a unique individual with boundless potential. Founded in 1988, our preschool and childcare centers in Salt Lake City, Utah, have dedicated over three decades to nurturing young minds through the Reggio-Emilia approach, which emphasizes child-led exploration and hands-on learning. Our mission is to create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel valued, safe, and inspired to grow. With nationally accredited programs and a team of experienced educators, we prioritize individualized attention, low teacher-student ratios, and a curriculum that adapts to each child's interests.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our recognition as Early Learning Leaders by the National Accreditation Commission, making us the first private preschool in Utah to earn dual accreditations from NAEYC and NECPA. We partner with families to foster social-emotional development, creativity, and academic readiness, ensuring every child thrives in a community that celebrates curiosity and collaboration.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
2-3 Year Old Classrooms
3-4 Year Old Classrooms
Pre-K Programs
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer nationally accredited programs recognized as Early Learning Leaders.
- Our low teacher-student ratios ensure personalized attention and care.
- Experienced educators with decades of combined expertise in early childhood development.
- Reggio-Emilia approach fosters child-led exploration and creativity.
- Daily outdoor play promotes physical health and social skill development.
Associations and certifications
- NAEYC
- NECPA
- National Accreditation Commission
Services
Infant Care
Our infant care program provides a nurturing environment for babies aged 3-12 months, focusing on individualized routines, sensory exploration, and motor skill development. With a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio, we ensure personalized attention while maintaining home-established schedules. Daily outdoor play and structured activities promote cognitive growth and physical coordination in a safe, stimulating setting.
Toddler Programs
Designed for 14-36 month-olds, our toddler programs emphasize socio-emotional development through play-based learning. Certified educators guide language acquisition, pre-literacy skills, and social interaction while maintaining consistent routines. Daily outdoor activities and Reggio-inspired curricula foster creativity, independence, and gross motor development in a child-centric environment.
2-3 Year Old Classrooms
This program focuses on building confidence and self-awareness for 2-year-olds through hands-on exploration and structured play. Weekly curriculum adapts to children's interests while developing pre-academic skills, fine motor abilities, and collaborative problem-solving. Twice-daily outdoor play supports physical development in a secure, age-appropriate environment.
3-4 Year Old Classrooms
Our 3-4 year-old classrooms combine academic preparation with creative expression. Children develop literacy skills through storytime and writing centers while exploring mathematical concepts through hands-on materials. The Reggio-Emilia approach encourages curiosity-driven learning, with daily music, art, and dramatic play activities fostering holistic development.
Pre-K Programs
Designed to prepare 4-year-olds for school, our Pre-K programs integrate literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning. Children engage in pattern recognition, letter-sound relationships, and collaborative projects that build critical thinking skills. Twice-daily outdoor sessions and evidence-based curricula ensure comprehensive kindergarten readiness in a supportive environment.
People
Veronica Nelson
Executive Director
With over 22 years in early childhood education, Veronica Nelson transitioned from Program Director to owner of Child Time Academy. A mother of three former students, she champions the Reggio-Emilia philosophy and maintains national accreditation standards.
Tasha Santistevan
Executive Director
Tasha Santistevan has shaped Child Time's programs since 1994, specializing in curriculum adaptation to children's needs. With experience across three locations, she trains staff and reinforces educational philosophy while raising five children who inspire her work.
Lacey Casper
Regional Director
Lacey Casper brings 15 years of classroom experience to her director role, holding a Child Development Associate credential and associate's degree in social work. She focuses on staff training and family collaboration after watching her daughter graduate from the program.
Cindy Hill
Curriculum and Training Specialist
Cindy Hill has served Child Time since 1992, transitioning from award-winning teacher to curriculum specialist. With a decade of director experience, she trains staff across three locations while advocating for evidence-based early childhood education practices.
Questions
What makes Child Time Academy's approach unique?
We implement the Reggio-Emilia philosophy where children's interests guide curriculum development. This child-led approach fosters creativity, problem-solving, and intrinsic motivation through hands-on exploration and collaborative projects.
Are your teachers certified in early childhood education?
All classrooms have at least one degree-holding teacher, with many staff holding Child Development Associate credentials. Our educators undergo annual CPR/first aid training and participate in ongoing professional development programs.
How do you communicate with parents about child progress?
We use the Brightwheel app for daily reports, photos, and messages. Parents receive regular updates on developmental milestones and classroom activities through both digital communication and in-person meetings.
What safety measures are in place for young children?
We maintain rigorous health practices including temperature checks, frequent handwashing, and baby-proofed environments. Outdoor play areas are fully fenced, with twice-daily supervised sessions ensuring both safety and physical development.
Do you offer financial assistance or tuition support?
Yes, we provide tuition support options to ensure accessibility. Our financial aid programs help families access our nationally accredited early childhood education services regardless of economic background.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Our Pre-K curriculum focuses on literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based learning. Children develop letter recognition, number sense, and collaborative problem-solving abilities while building confidence for school transitions.
