Our Philosophy
Small Miracles Academy believes that every child is a small miracle. Our goal is to provide a nurturing community in which children learn and grow in a safe, warm and secure environment. We are staffed with experienced teachers, who are passionate about creating a strong educational foundation for children. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum takes each child at their current learning level and uses building blocks to bring them to the next stage, all while fostering a lover of learning that will last a lifetime. We are family owned and operated and we are excited about the opportunity to partner with you to create stimulating learning opportunities for your child. Come visit and let us show you!
Small Miracles Academy provides a stimulating and nurturing curriculum. Everyone learns differently, so we use a variety of teaching techniques incorporating all five senses—seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. Our curriculum is designed to create learning opportunities which promote independence and exploration. Each child participates in active engaged play, and is encouraged to make wise choices and to solve problems.
Infant Curriculum – 6 weeks to 12 months
During this stage, it is important for babies to develop the bonds of trust and love, as
they attempt to absorb the world around them. Sights and sounds may be blurry and
indistinct, but hugs and cuddling are understood by children in every age group. At
Small Miracles Academy, our teachers are especially nurturing and attentive to our
infants. With low infant-teacher ratios, our staff members have every
resource needed to respond to the ever-changing needs of our babies.
Toddler Curriculum – 12 months to 24 months
This period is full of exploration for our busy toddlers. Our Toddler Curriculum encourages gross motor development through a variety of physical activities within the daily schedule. Toddler classrooms provide open spaces and large objects to manipulate as they continue overall physical growth. In their print rich environments, a focus on language development accompanies the physical component as your toddler begins to say those all-important first words and phrases.
Twos and Threes – 2 year-olds & 3 year-olds
Now that a foundation for gross motor skills has been established, we focus
on fine motor skills (the use of hands and fingers), and cognitive development. The minds of our young one’s are extremely “hungry” at this point. They soak up information like sponges, and it is our goal to provide them with as many letters to sound out, numbers to count and words to recognize during these months. As they begin to determine relationships between words and sounds, and numbers and objects, we strengthen their understanding and appreciation for colors, sounds and other concrete items around them.
Pre-kindergarten Curriculum – 4 year-olds
Small Miracles Academy follows the framework set forth by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in their Texas Pre-kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines. These instructional objectives fall into the categories of language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, physical development, fine arts, personal and social development, health and safety, and technology. All in all, your pre-kindergartner will be a busy bee as we prepare him or her for the kindergarten experience!
After-school Curriculum – School age children through age 12
Our after-school program gives your child continued opportunities for
growth and exploration. Centered around the three major areas of physical activity,
computer literacy and individualized guided instruction, overall learning continues after
the school bell rings. After homework assistance, students have the options of
participating in organized play and recreation, or supervised computer time.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp is filled with exciting field trips and activities that are both educational and just plain fun. From creating exciting science projects that will stimulate the mind, to producing tasty food crafts that will uncover the "chef-to-be," we have plenty of fun games and parties throughout the summer season. Our weekly field trips include movies, bowling, skating and swimming. In addition, off campus learning includes destinations such as to The Dallas Aquarium, Old City Park, Krispy Kreme, Trolley Rides, The Zoo, Sandy Lake, The Dr. Pepper Center, The Texas Discovery Gardens, and Owens Farm. Lastly, with two of our academies having their own swimming pool on site, your child is sure to have a great time this summer!
Academy Directors
Toni Madkins is an experienced child care provider and has been hailed by Comerica Bank as the owner of one of the strongest businesses in Collin County. A published novelist, Toni is currently working on a series of children’s books. With entrepreneurial experience in multiple states across the country, Ms. Madkins has decided to spread her success in early childhood development to additional communities in the North Dallas area. Both native Dallasites, she and her husband Elbert have two children.
Dr. Jasmine B. Harris has spent over 15 years in the field of education, and received her most recent formal educational training at Baylor University. She has served as a classroom teacher and administrator in the Garland and Dallas Independent School Districts, and at the Hockaday School. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the W.H.O Foundation (Women Helping Others), and is currently involved with a variety of educational organizations including Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas and the Texas Parent Teachers Association (Plano Chapter). Both native Dallasites, she and her husband John have two sons.
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