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.

Culture Director

Karen has served in early childhood for over twenty-five years. She received her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in early childhood education. She served as Lead Teacher at a private preschool where she implemented the Project Approach and presented student-led Projects at the NAEYC Conference and the Heart of Illinois Association of the Education of Young Children’s Conference. Karen has worked as a Family Educator, Preschool Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, and Teacher Mentor in DCFS-Licensed settings for the Peoria County Regional Office of Education Preschool for All Program. Karen joined Barefoot Learning in May of 2017 and continues to partner with families in giving all children a jump-start to school success.

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).