Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Center in De Soto, IA
At 100 Acre Woods, we have dedicated ourselves to redefining early childhood education through our unique 'Learn Through Play' philosophy. Since the early 2000s, our family-owned center in De Soto, Iowa, has provided nurturing care for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years, combining structured learning with sensory-rich play experiences. Our team of passionate educators, each with specialized training and CPR certification, creates age-appropriate environments that foster communication, problem-solving, and social development. We implement customized curricula tailored to children's interests, including Kaplan Learn Everyday for younger groups and study-based approaches for preschool and school-age classrooms. With flexible scheduling options and an open-door policy, we work closely with families to ensure smooth transitions and consistent support.Our commitment extends beyond basic requirements, with staff exceeding annual training mandates to better serve diverse developmental needs. Through enrichment programs like live animal shows, fitness activities, and community field trips, we cultivate curiosity and lifelong learning. As a trusted local provider serving De Soto, Adel, Waukee, and surrounding areas, we maintain small class sizes with dedicated teachers to guarantee personalized attention. Our facility features specialized classrooms designed for each developmental stage, from infant care with 2:8 teacher-child ratios to after-school programs with structured homework help. By integrating health initiatives like Smile Squad fluoride treatments and daily literacy activities, we address holistic child development while maintaining strict safety and professionalism standards.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
After-School Care
Summer Camp
Enrichment Activities
Homework Assistance
Field Trips
Sensory Play
Tooth Brushing Program
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since the early 2000s with generational childcare expertise
- Teachers maintain 10+ annual training hours and CPR certification
- Customized curricula adapting to each child's developmental stage
- Specialized classrooms with strict teacher-child ratios for safety
- Enrichment programs including field trips and community partnerships
Services
Infant Care
Our Eeyore's Infants program serves children 6 weeks to 18 months with 2:8 teacher-child ratios. We focus on developmental milestones through tummy time, sensory play, and structured routines while maintaining flexible feeding schedules. Teachers provide individualized attention through cuddling, educational games, and weather-permitted stroller walks to support early growth and parent-child bonding.
Toddler Programs
Winnie's Walkers (12-24 months) and Roo's Twos (2-3 years) programs emphasize sensory development and schedule adaptation. Children engage in Kaplan curriculum activities, outdoor play, and table manners training while receiving potty training support. Daily fluoride treatments and structured tooth brushing promote dental health, with dedicated staff maintaining safe, engaging environments for active learners.
Preschool Education
Piglets' Preschool prepares 4-5 year-olds for school through literacy consultants, music specialists, and study-based learning. Daily writing practice, cutting skills, and group activities develop academic readiness. Field trips and library partnerships enhance learning while maintaining focus on social-emotional growth and creative exploration through sensory play.
After-School Care
Kanga's Kids program supports 5-12 year-olds with homework help, ADM-mandated reading, and seasonal themes. Summer includes gardening projects, field trips, and library partnerships. Structured group activities balance independent play while fostering responsibility through vegetable garden maintenance and community exploration initiatives.
Enrichment Activities
Our enrichment programs integrate live animal shows, fitness activities, and public safety demonstrations. Children engage with local professionals through magic shows, dental hygiene workshops, and community field trips. Seasonal water activities and library partnerships create diverse learning experiences that reinforce curriculum concepts through real-world applications.
People
Traci Vorpahl
Owner
Traci Vorpahl has dedicated her career to early childhood education since establishing 100 Acre Woods in the early 2000s. With decades of combined personal and professional experience, she leads a team committed to play-based learning while maintaining active parent communication and flexible childcare solutions for Iowa families.
Amanda
Educational Director
Amanda oversees staff development and educational programming at 100 Acre Woods. She manages teacher training initiatives that exceed state requirements and coordinates enrichment partnerships while reviewing applications for passionate childcare professionals seeking to join the team.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 6 weeks through 12 years with specialized classrooms for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
What is your teacher training policy?
All staff complete minimum 10 annual hours of early childhood training and maintain CPR certification, with many pursuing additional specialized education.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our summer program includes themed activities, field trips, gardening projects, and library partnerships for school-age children.
How do you handle dental hygiene?
Children brush teeth after meals, and the Smile Squad provides free fluoride treatments twice yearly for enrolled children.
What enrichment activities are available?
We offer live animal shows, fitness activities, music sessions, public safety demonstrations, and seasonal water programs throughout the year.
Are meals provided?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks following dietary guidelines, accommodating special dietary needs with parental consultation.
