Owners

Scott and his wife, Jodi, began their journey with early childhood in 2001 as a small in-home daycare in Peoria. Their vision has always been to provide the Peoria area with unique, top-notch childcare experiences that challenge the status quo. After moving and expanding their in-home daycare in 2004, they have been very fortunate to continue fulfilling this vision through the openings of The Wonder Playschool and the acquisition of A+ Children's Academy. They take pride in each of their centers and are grateful for the opportunities to ensure unparalleled care for the children entrusted to their care.

Logistics Director

Makenzie joined forces with Barefoot Learning in 2019 working at Scott and Jodi's in-home daycare. She absolutely loved her time spent there and is still connected with many of the families and children she cared for. One of Makenzie's favorite parts of early childhood is the relationships she builds with the children and their parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. Many of the families she's worked with have considered her an extension of their family, which she considers a huge honor and privilege. Makenzie is most proud of the titles she holds as Mom, Bonus Mom, and Auntie Kenz. In her free time, she enjoys going to the neighborhood lake, eating out, cooking/baking, and watching movies and sharing a big bucket of popcorn with her fiance (Tyler), stepson (Colton), 2 cats, dog, and daughter (MaeLynn).

Director of Services

As a Peoria native, Kelsey is passionate about providing exceptional early childhood programs to her community. She joined A+ STEAM Academy in 2016 and connected with Scott and Jodi Thomason after their 2019 acquisition. Growing up with five siblings sparked her early interest in child development, which deepened through international experiences in China and South Africa. Kelsey earned her associate’s degree from ICC and later her bachelor’s in Human Services – Child and Family Studies from Southern New Hampshire University. Her work as a Quality Specialist at Child Care Connection gave her valuable insight into Illinois’ early childhood quality systems. Kelsey is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm back to Barefoot Learning as the Director of Services!