Children are God’s greatest gift that humbles us daily
Children are God’s greatest gift that humbles us daily
Preschool & Daycare Serving Thornton, CO
Ignite Your Child’s Natural Love Of Discovery
Meet Mike and Debi Grillo
Mike has a double degree in elementary education and special education from Northern Arizona University, taught the A.C.T. academic kindergarten program for 18 years, and continues to be an on-site mentor to the teachers.
Debi has an associate’s degree in early childhood education.
Both founders, Mike and Debi, are involved with the overall management of the childcare center on a daily basis.
For more than 40 years, founders Mike and Debi Grillo have been hands-on from the ground up.
At first, he taught kindergarten and handled maintenance for the building and the playgrounds, while she managed the office and staff, and focused on curriculum.
Today, A.C.T. is proud to serve the grandchildren of those who first enrolled all those years ago, and Mike and Debi take joy to see what’s become of the seeds they sowed all those years ago.
Together, the couple has continued to reinvent early child care to provide families with faith-based education that honors a child’s natural love of discovery, while keeping up with their goal of building a new structure to spark young imaginations every year.
That’s why A.C.T. has burgeoned into a unique, nationally recognized*, 3-acre sanctuary replete with 15 playgrounds that feature a redwood castle spanning 2,400 ft., a soccer field where team sports instill cooperation and a nature area to teach appreciation of the outdoors. A Woodworking Barn that houses age-appropriate tools so children can enjoy building their very own creations. The General Store is where children create a world of their own and “shop” for fresh fruits and vegetables. Engaging, interactive experiences with cause and effect activities bring science and play together. Children tend multiple gardens and splash in waterfalls and ponds to learn about life cycles and God’s creation. They explore the Circle of Honor that pays tribute to God, our great country, and those who have served to protect our freedoms. An interactive water display allows the children to put their hands in a flow of water on a giant rock slab.
*A.C.T. earned national certification from the Arbor Day Foundation for this new playground, and has one of the first 100 certified Nature Explore playgrounds in the nation.
Scheduling a tour is the best way to see what’s more.
Get To Know Us
Year-Round Programs with A Team You Can Trust
Our Nature-Based, Exploratory Curriculum: ACT Academics©
Parent Partnerships Are A Critical Piece Of Our Success
Our Core Values
Faith
In every situation, acknowledge that God is in control and working for our good. In all decisions seek God and trust His will be done. Be willing to take risks. (Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:28, Hebrews 11:1,6 , Proverbs 16:3)
Integrity
Honesty in all things without compromising the truth. Cultivate a sense of honesty and integrity in all that is said and done. Seek to do what is right before God. (Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 28:6, II Corinthians 8:21, Hebrews 13:18, Psalms 25:21)
Intentional
We desire to be intentional in our ministry and mission focused. God came in human form with a mission. We want to be intentional with lessons, activities, interaction with children, parents, leaders, teachers and our community as we follow Christ’s example of His direct intent to love, teach and serve. (John 3:16-17, I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Environment
God is the founder of all things wonderful including imagination, curiosity and creativity. To fan the flame, we will provide an ever-changing and stimulating environment where children can create life-long memories through creative play and interaction with God’s creation. The children can expand their knowledge through hands-on activities, whether in the classrooms or on our safe, spacious playgrounds that challenge the mind and promote the desire to learn. (Genesis 1:1, Jeremiah 33:2-3)
Individuality
Each child is a unique and special creation from God with different gifts, abilities and strengths. Each child learns differently and at different rates. We cater to this premise in the environment and our curriculum adjusts to meet the needs of individual children in each classroom. (Psalm 139:14, I Peter 4:10)
Fun
Adopt a joyful spirit, celebrate life, and be adventurous. Embrace the wonder of being a child. (I Thessalonians 5:16, Psalms 16:11, Proverbs 17:22, Jeremiah 29:11, John 15:11, Ephesians 5:19, Philippians 4:4 )
Excellence
We will not settle for mediocrity, but excellence! We do not attempt perfection, but excellence. We represent the Lord and as such, we want excellence to be a part of everything we do and provide; environment, classrooms, curriculum, dealings with families, and how we deal with each other. We will strive for the highest standards in all aspects of our job. (Ephesians 3:20, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:23)
Positive
We are all created in the image of God. We recognize positive patterns are developed at a young age. We will be positive and encouraging in our interactions and environments. We will strive to uplift the children to see themselves through God’s eyes and their value to Him and promote a good self-image. (Psalm 139:13-16, I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Passion
Love what you do and do what you love! Our administrators and teachers are passionate about making the learning process accessible, understandable, and exciting. This passion generates a whole-hearted devotion to making a difference in the lives of children and families. In this way we honor the Lord Jesus and demonstrate His love to all who walk through our doors. (Colossians 3:23, I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17)
Preparedness
We will provide a solid foundation and give each child the tools needed to have every advantage possible for their life journey. We will prepare children spiritually and academically to go out into the world for the next chapter in their life to other academic environments and other schools. We wish to prepare children for any school they might attend, secular or Christian. We must put on the full armor of God to protect ourselves. (Proverbs 20:11, Proverbs 22:6, I Corinthians 9:24, Ephesians 6:10-17, Hebrews 4:12)
Stewardship
Be faithful with the resources God has entrusted to us. (Luke 16:10-11, I Peter 4:10, I Corinthians 4:2)
Discipleship
To actively seek to minister to children, staff, parents and our community. Share that Jesus loves them. Walk alongside them as they mature in their Christian faith. (Isaiah 55:11, Matthew 19:14, John 13:35, II Timothy 2:2)
Love
God showed His unconditional love for us, and through our actions, we can demonstrate God’s love to the children, families, co-workers, and everyone we meet. We know that while there are many aspects of our program that will support the growth of children, it is God’s love that will last through their entire lifetime and into eternity. (John 13:34-35, Mark 12:30-31, Colossians 3:14, I John 4:7-8, I Corinthians 13:13)
Community
Build authentic long-term relationships in the context of a loving community. Respect and support the school community that first begins here at ACT and then branches outside our walls to help support the needs of the greater community. Strive for unity. (Mark 3:25, Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:46, Ephesians 4:3)