Classroom Experience

Treks and Trails is known for its dedicated teachers with a unique hands-on curriculum that prepares the whole child for their next school experience. From station exploration to learning letter and sound recognition coupled with science, art, music, and language experiences and writing exercises the program works with your child at their individual level. The preschool is also well known for our detailed screening and conference time with the parents and teachers twice a year.

Chaska Community Center (CCC) Use

In addition to the classroom experiences, the children also have the opportunity to experience the CCC. The children enjoy the following programs and amenities:

  • Book Nook in The Lodge with the Active Older Adults (AOAs) (the kids refer to them as the Grandfriends)
  • Fitness class in the upper gym
  • Gallery art shows each spring 
  • Holiday and graduation programs on the stage in the Theater
  • Seasonal field trips

Teachers

All teachers meet the state licensure standards.

Sandy Jansen
Treks & Trails Coordinator &
Lead Teacher for the Tu/Th class

Originally, I am from Florida but moved to Minnesota in 2001. I have two amazing children, Tyler who graduated from the University of MN-Duluth this past May and Ashley who is starting her senior year at North Dakota State University. I enjoy watching football (SKOL VIKINGS!) running, golfing, fishing, and spending time with my family.  

I have a background in early childhood and I have been with Treks and Trails since it's opening in 2007. I’ve worked at the Community Center for 20 years and have taught numerous preschool/youth classes for the Parks and Recreation Department. I am an energetic and passionate teacher who puts the needs of the children first. I truly enjoy every minute of my time in the classroom. Not only do I teach your children, but every year I find myself learning life lessons from them as well. 


Heather LeSueur
Lead Teacher for the Mon-Fri Class

My husband, Rehn and I have lived in Minnesota for 20 years, the last nine being in Chaska. We have four sons ages 20, 18, 16 and 13. I love being a boy mom and I learned a lot from each of my sons. I love spending time with my family, playing games, hiking, being outside, crafting and reading. I have a degree in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. Through teaching in my home or in church Sunday school lessons and volunteering in classrooms, I have spent most of the last 20 years teaching and filling leadership roles with our youth. I am a firm believer that kids learn best through play and exploration. Preschool is my favorite age to teach. 


Taren Edwards
Lead Teacher for the Mon/Wed/Fri Class

After working with adult learners in health coaching training and development, I am very excited to be back working with children and supporting their preschool development and learning. My husband Dan and I along with our two children Laila and Rhys live in Chaska. I have a Bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College, and a Master's degree from the University of Reading in southwest England. I have a wide variety of experience working with children including substitute teaching in special education, nanny experience, PCA, childcare center teaching and assisting, child development assessments in a university research setting and college internships at Children's Hospital Minneapolis & St. Paul in pediatric physical therapy and child life specialist settings.