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About

Milestones Early Learning applies an evidence-based, hands-on approach in child development. Children at Milestones learn through interacting with their surroundings and daily experiences all while in safe, secure, warm and nurturing environments created by quality and experienced staff.

Philosophy

Milestones Early Learning’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that is designed to meet the developmental needs of young children. Our philosophy at Milestones is to create and apply a hands-on approach in an environment where children learn through interacting with their surroundings and daily experiences.

Milestones Early Learning is a play-based program that engages and furthers the child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical, and creative development. Each child is given opportunities to explore their environment and expand social and problem-solving skills.

Our certified and degreed teachers serve as role models and encompass positive images of children, recognizing that they are capable of many things. With this in mind, our staff consistently encourages children to reach new potentials. Teachers embody the roles of facilitators, observers, evaluators, and providers of a warm, nurturing environment.

Parents are encouraged to become involved with their child’s education by partnering with teachers and caregivers to assist their child in growing to his or her fullest potential. We believe it is essential for parents, teachers, and families to work as a team with a common goal to continually develop and increase children’s knowledge and growth.

History

Kelly Russell, founder and president of Milestones Early Learning, has always been passionate about childhood education. While earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education at Western Michigan University, she began teaching preschool and then completed her Child Development Associate Credential. In 2005 Kelly decided to take her passion a step further, opening the first Milestones Child Development Center in Cascade.

The Center’s success and enthusiastic response led Kelly to open a second center in the Belmont/Rockford area in 2007, followed by a third center in Caledonia in 2012. The fourth center was opened in Portage in 2017. The addition of our 5th center came to the Wyoming/Grandville area in 2021 and our 6th center in Jenison late spring of 2022. All of the Milestones Centers feature state-of-the-art facilities paired with spacious playgrounds that encourage child development.

Our Staff

Milestones invests in quality staff that help children reach their potential. Serving as active role models, our certified and degreed teachers embody the roles of facilitators, observers, and evaluators, all while continuously encouraging children to reach for new heights in a warm and nurturing environment. At Milestones, we believe in working together. In order for children to grow to their full potential, we believe that it is essential for parents, teachers, and families work as a team to continually develop and increase children’s knowledge and growth. The people at Milestones are the backbone of our business.

Meet Our Staff