At Teddy Bear Daycare & Preschool, we know how important the emotional and social development of your child is. Each child is a unique individual and we strive to provide an environment that focuses on the whole child development. Our care is an extension of your home and we strive to work together with you to promote the healthy growth of your child during the special years of early childhood with continuity and trust. We attend workshops, conferences, and hold trainings to further our experience in early childhood education to better care for your children.
Hello! My name is Beth Fryer. Thank you for your interest in TBD&P! I started as a small family home provider in 1984 as a way for children to explore in nature and spend time outdoors. I have always believed that children learn best while playing in the dirt. Once with only 6 children, and now growing into serving over 150 families, I am so proud of what Teddy Bear has evolved into. Welcome! “The heartbeat of Teddy Bear is for children to feel free to learn, explore, and develop a sense of wonder”.
Hello! My name is Anna Fryer. My incredible journey with Teddy Bear began in the fall of 2013, however, I began my career in early childhood 20 years ago. I began as a teacher, educating and learning with the children, and then evolved in administration as a director, opening 2 new locations, and eventually a multi-site supervisor, overseeing all 3 exemplary schools. I obtained my Bachelors of Early Education as well as my Master of Education, minoring in Early Childhood Education. I have an incredible family that supports my passion for assisting children in their early years. I enjoy spending time outdoors, mirroring the excitement of our Nature Based Preschools/Child Care Centers. I look forward to many more years at Teddy Bear and in the Early Childhood field.
Hello! My name is Molly. I began my adventure with Teddy Bear in May of 2018 teaching with the Infants & Toddlers. I started in the Early Childhood field because I felt such satisfaction while working with children. Teaching little minds and watching them carry it throughout their lives is so special and fulfilling! I chose Teddy Bear because I was intrigued about the nature-based atmosphere and how quickly I noticed it sparks creativity and imaginative play within each child. I hope to continue my education in Early Childhood and make a mark on our youngest generations, while continuing my Administration role at Teddy Bear!
Hi, I’m Alexa! I joined the wonderful Teddy Bear family in 2018. I started my career in early childhood education nine years ago in an after school program setting, and have since had the pleasure to work as both an assistant and lead teacher in our wonderful preschool program. I currently have an ASA from Northwestern Michigan College and am finishing my second AAS in Early Childhood Education. Teddy Bear will always have a special place in my heart due to the welcoming, enriching, and loving environment that we strive to maintain. Building relationships with students and watching them grow and learn is most definitely where my heart is, and Teddy Bear continues to provide opportunities for me to witness the spark in a child’s eyes day after day!
My name is Cary Walter and I have been in a preschool setting for 20 years, before that I had a home daycare for 3 years, and was able to stay home with my 4 children. I have taken college courses for Early Childhood Education/Special Education and want to be certified for Autism. I chose to join Teddy Bear because I love the nature-based/Montessori philosophy and what it brings to the whole child, a learning experience that can’t be duplicated. I enjoy the position I am currently in, I couldn’t ask for a better place to learn more about my profession. I hope to keep building and learning through the administration team at Teddy Bear.
Hello! My name is Danielle and I am the program director at the bass lake location. I have had the pleasure to work at Teddy Bear since 2018. I started this job thinking it would be a stepping stone, and fell in love with Early Childhood Education in a nature based setting. I believe children learn and thrive best in the enriching program we provide. I am always excited to go to work and watch little minds discover and create. I currently have my CDA in child development and ASA from our local college, NMC. I am also continuing my education and taking additional Ealy Childhood classes. I hope to always be apart of this amazing period of a child’s life.