MEET THE FOUNDERS
For more than 30 years, we, the founders of Little Learners, have been positively impacting the lives of children by developing and implementing a warm, nurturing and supportive environment as we embrace families, similarities and differences. It is our belief to create a nurturing and collaborative environment where your child feels safe and secure to then begin the amazing process of loving to learn! As parents ourselves, we have experienced the need for a center such as ours when our children were small ~ a stimulating environment filled with individualized love and care while we had the opportunity to grow as parents and families!
Charlene Barbieri
Charlene is the founder and executive director of Little Learners Academy, a venture she embarked on right after high school in 1994 with the unwavering support of her parents. At just 18, she embraced business ownership, driven by a strong ethos of lifelong learning and a commitment to making a positive impact on her community through corporate social responsibility.
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Charlene’s academic background includes a bachelor's degree in psychology, an early childhood teaching certificate, and a master's degree in school counseling. Her extensive career in education culminated in her role as the director of early childhood education for Cranston Public Schools, where she dedicated many years to fostering Early Childhood Education with the Educational Pathway Program..
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With a passion for nurturing curiosity and creativity, Charlene continues to lead Little Learners Academy, creating enriching experiences that empower children and families in the community. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to education, social responsibility, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Kendra Tanguay
Kendra is the co-owner of Little Learners Academy, where she has dedicated 15 years to overseeing educational standards and program leadership. With credentials in early childhood education as well as elementary and special education, Kendra is committed to fostering high-quality learning environments that support every child's growth.
Since co-acquiring Little Learners Academy in 2009, she has worked tirelessly to expand early childhood education initiatives, ensuring that all children receive a solid foundation for success. In addition to her role at the academy, Kendra serves as the Department Chair for Special Education at Cranston Public Schools, where she advocates for inclusive practices and supports diverse learning needs.
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Kendra's passion for education and dedication to nurturing young learners reflects her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and enriching environment.
A Letter From The Founders...
Little Learners Academy is a place where children are individual members of a class and community. Through positive communication and modeling, we create an environment where children are valued and responded to with respect and attention. We strive to help our little learners develop a positive sense of self and the ability to share their feelings, thoughts and ideas!
We offer rich academics in a play based center which emphasizes interdisciplinary project-based learning, building social skills such as communication and critical thinking, and tailoring instruction to the needs of each individual student. Our teaching approach is that children learn best through play in the context of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and stimulating environment.
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Kind Regards,
Charlene Barbieri and Kendra Tanguay