New educational-focused daycare: ExCel Learning Center Daycare launches in SW Cedar Rapids

A new era in early childhood education has dawned at 143 29th Ave. SW in Cedar Rapids with the establishment of ExCel Learning Center Daycare, a facility dedicated to education-driven child care. The name ExCel might ring a bell, as it participated in the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance Race for Space competition back in 2022.

ExCel made it to the semi-finals in the competition, which led founder Darcel Pledge to stick to her mission of bringing the facility to reality. This motivation helped her take a path toward entrepreneurship after many years in the education field.

Pledge, a former elementary school teacher, coach and mentor, drew from her years in education to birth ExCel. "Having taught upper elementary students who struggled with reading, I often wondered how they moved throughout their academic journey without basic reading skills. It's heart-wrenching as a teacher. While I knew I had to teach grade-level content, I also needed to address their missing skills. Students seemed trapped in a perpetual cycle of catch-up," Pledge shared. Her perspective was further shaped while working with teachers new to the profession in her coaching and mentoring roles, where she witnessed similar needs and scenarios across different districts.

Beyond academics, Pledge recognizes that without self-regulation, social-emotional and behavioral skills, learning can be an uphill battle. "Building relationships and guiding my students through challenging situations were the most rewarding aspects of teaching for me," she noted.

By prioritizing these aspects, her students developed the resilience to embrace learning and were empowered to advocate for themselves. Pledge added, "Allocating 15 to 20 minutes daily to foster understanding, expression and digestion of worldly, school-related and community matters highlighted the need for more emphasis in this area."

With this understanding, Pledge crafted ExCel Daycare's model, utilizing the early developmental years for care-based interventions that equip children with fundamental skills essential for a successful educational journey—mentally, physically and emotionally. ExCel's motto, "Where Genuine Care and Academic Excellence Meet," reflects this vision, aimed at leaving a profound mark on every child and their caregiver.

The competent team of leaders and educators at ExCel ensures a structured learning environment mirroring a school setting. The revamped facility is designed to immerse kids and families in an atmosphere conducive to learning. The center's developmental roadmap includes having a mental health therapist and nurse on-site, alongside experienced educators, to ensure a lasting impact.

"ExCel's mission is to provide children an advantage, enabling parents to access data about their child's learning, facilitating timely intervention. Often, kids receive intervention far too late in their academic journey, and ExCel aims to bridge that gap," Pledge affirmed. Additionally, the daycare seeks to redefine caregiving in general through a partnership lens.

Pledge, herself a parent, acknowledges the financial strain families face for quality care. ExCel aims to collaborate with local employers, advocating for child care to be an employee benefit as a direct employer offering, easing the burden on working families. "The 'It takes a village' approach resonates with me. It's optimal for families and the economy," Pledge said. She emphasized that she will continue to participate in and facilitate these ongoing discussions with employers about the importance of helping working families.

She has a great amount of gratitude and admiration for the employers who are currently in talks with her about how to make this vision a reality for their employees and our community. In terms of her own village, Pledge expresses gratitude and thanks to the many supporters, mentors, and everyone who helped support her mission and vision to get ExCel to where it is today. She looks forward to the lasting impact ExCel will make on future generations and our community.

Availability of daycare spots at ExCel Learning Center Daycare

ExCel currently has limited spots available for infants through 5-year-olds for full-time care and offers before and after-school programs catering to school-age children that include a transportation option. The daycare will accept CCA and private pay to ensure they can work with all families who want their kids to excel at their center.

ExCel is also exploring community partnerships to ensure they can provide promotions and discounts, ensuring access for families who recognize the value ExCel will bring to their child's holistic development.

How to enroll

For more information or to enroll, schedule a tour or partner, please visit exceldaycare.com. ExCel Learning Center Daycare is set to open on August 23, 2023 to families enrolled. ExCel invites you to take advantage of the chance to enhance your child's achievements in every area.