Totem Lake Children's Academy is an early childhood education center offering full-day enrichment programs for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. Located in the Totem Lake area of Kirkland, our new facility features 10 carefully and deliberated designed classrooms, spacious indoor gym and nature-rich, outdoor exploration area.
We implement emergent curriculum across all classrooms. Rooted in years of proven research, our curriculum focuses on creating opportunities for children to develop meaningful experiences through self-directed play and hands-on learning. Our teachers do not create unilateral lesson plans, but instead adapt them to reflect student interests and passions.
We implement emergent curriculum across all classrooms. Rooted in years of proven research, our curriculum focuses on creating opportunities for children to develop meaningful experiences through self-directed play and hands-on learning. Our teachers do not create unilateral lesson plans, but instead adapt them to reflect student interests and passions.
Services
For one, we make the safety and well-being of each child in our care our number one priority. Second, we recognize that your child is your priority at all times. If it takes a village to raise a child, TLCA strives to be the deserving community that you can trust and rely on. Lastly, we believe children learn best when they are loved, respected and appreciated.
We firmly believe that children are active and self-motivated learners who learn best through hands-on experience and enjoyment. Based on this understanding of children's learning trajectory, our teachers plan classroom activities and topics in response to children's interests and with the goal of inviting active participation and intrigue.
Our Waddler program serves as a transition stage for our more mature infants as they prepare for the Toddler classrooms. Building on their new skills of walking and talking, waddlers actively explore their environment, more easily communicate what they need to their caregivers, and develop the ability to play symbolically, such as "pretend talking" on the phone and "pretend eating" with play objects.
Tremendous development takes place by the time toddlers move past their first 24 months. They can run competently, begin to speak in full sentences and become capable of naming preferences for foods or activities. They want to imitate the adults in their lives and use their expanded vocabulary to explore the world together with their peers.
By the age of 3, preschool children have developed many self-help skills and enjoy playing with their peers. They actively participate in the routines of preschool programs, while asserting their newfound independence and autonomy. Our preschool program takes inspiration from children's natural sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Reviews (9)
Gemma D.
Sep 13, 2021
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My kids have attended since 2017, and have been in every classroom (from infant rooms to Pre-K). I am so thankful we found TLCA, Sunny, and all the teachers. I was so nervous sending my babies to daycare, but I cannot imagine better caretakers and more loving adults to watch over them. Communication is excellent, and I get lots of updates and reassurance from staff. My children love attending TLCA!
Sarah Ding
Jun 17, 2021
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The best children education care ever! Highly recommended! Today is my son last day here, he will go to kindergarten. My son loves the school and teachers a lot! He has a very good time here for a year(2020 -- hard year, LOL). I really appreciated that Ms Sunny and Ms Laurie's effort and support. My husband and I are very busy FTE. TLCA is our helper! All teachers are super friendly and really care of children. They keep my son happy and healthy. And my son also learned math, letters and words here! I don't need to worry about my son everyday. Because I know they will take care of him well! THANK
Steven Farnell
Jan 25, 2021
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We have two kids at this school, a three year old and an eight month old. Both started in the infant room, and our experience had been amazing! The teachers are great and the management staff is really on the ball! Almost just as important though is how many of the parents are people who I not only trust around my children, but I want to invite to my home for a BBQ. It takes a village to raise a child, and this school is that village for me!
Jeff Stockman
Sep 09, 2020
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My 5-year old just completed his 3rd and final year at TLCA. Sunny, Aleksa and the whole staff run a best-in-class operation. Have no doubts about this place - very clean & secure building, compassionate and caring staff & teachers (never saw a frown on a single face), great curriculum, frequent community visitors (police, fireman, doctors, librarians, etc), organic food menu, daily Tadpoles app updates & lots of photos, Soccer Shots practice on Wednesdays. My son really enjoyed going to go to school (let's hope this trend continues into kindergarten)!
Thank you so much TLCA! A+
Thank you so much TLCA! A+
Variety JitTima
Jun 14, 2019
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Ginny Coleman
Jan 21, 2019
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TLCA is an incredible school. The directors are so kind and always available to the parents, and I often see them in the classrooms interacting with the kids. They hire the absolute best teachers. I can't say enough about the level of care my child is receiving at this school. Not only is he thriving developmentally across the board, but he's always happy to go to school and truly loves being there. The chef on staff makes great, healthy meals. By far the best daycare facility in Kirkland (seriously, I toured all of them and I'm so glad I found TLCA)!
Cheryl Cottino
Nov 11, 2018
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Our son has been a part of this school for almost a year now. We could not be more pleased with the quality of care and curriculum at TLCA. The teachers truly care about each student, and take the time to keep us informed via an app summary and pictures at the end of each day. The facility is sparkling clean, with lunch and snacks provided by the in-house chef. The outside space is generous and well-stocked with fun things to play with and they do a superb job of hosting science fairs, meet and greets, and concerts. I'm really glad we discovered TLCA and will continue being a part of their family
Jack Lo
Jun 07, 2018
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Christina Schiefer
Aug 02, 2017
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I cannot say enough about this school. It is the absolute perfect fit for my son. He is learning and thriving beyond my expectations. His teachers do a wonderful job keeping me updated with his day to day activities through their app, along with pictures which is really fun to see. The meals provided are adventurous as well as nutritious for my picky eater. I feel as though my son is truly valued and loved there and not just “another kid” attending preschool. Thankful we found TLCA when we did!
