On December 4, 2023, Kara Berdahl’s dream finally became a reality. The Goddard School on Quarry Road finally enjoyed welcoming its first 15 students. On that special day, each child got to take a photo with the My First Day at Goddard sign to commemorate the occasion.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony later took place on January 9, 2024, at which the Dakota County Chamber of Commerce attended and brought the ribbon for Kara to cut with giant scissors.
Today? Enrollment is up to 82 children!
Before making her debut in the world of children’s education, Kara spent nearly two decades in the corporate world, holding positions at 3M and Andersen Windows. However, her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for making a difference in children's lives remained strong and unrelenting.
"I always dreamed of owning my own business, one that could positively impact our future generations," Kara shared during our conversation. Her journey wasn’t without its challenges, with plans initially delayed by the pandemic. But as things began to stabilize, Kara seized the opportunity, securing land that had long been in her sights and was approved by Goddard in late 2022.
Creating a Safe, Secure, and Stimulating Environment for Kids
From the outset, Kara's focus has been on creating a safe, secure, and stimulating environment for children. "Goddard's emphasis on health, safety, and quality assurance resonated with me. We ensure every child thrives by providing a warm and secure environment," she explains. This commitment is complemented by Goddard's robust support system and a culture of continual improvement, including regular quality audits.
But Goddard is a bit different than other childcare centers in the area. Kara shares that Goddard isn’t viewed as a childcare center at all. "We look for educators, not just daycare providers. Our teachers are certified and equipped with the knowledge to create a learning-rich environment," says Kara. She shared with me her deep commitment to quality education, ensuring that every child receives thoughtful and effective guidance.
Despite its recent opening, the school is already becoming a cornerstone of the community. It has participated in local events such as the Eagan FunFest and Halloween Trail Walk and is looking forward to hosting an event with the Eagan Fire Department. "Our goal is to integrate fully into the community, serving not just our students but their families and neighbors," Kara emphasizes.
Growing Enrollment with Room for More
Since its grand opening, the school's enrollment has quickly grown, with a target of 180 children. The school caters to infants through pre-kindergarten, and the extended summer care program accommodates children up to age 10.
"We intend to prepare children not just for school, but for life," Kara states. "We create a nurturing environment that speaks to all aspects of a child's development, including emotional and behavioral growth."
The Wonder of Learning Curriculum
At the heart of Goddard School's educational philosophy is the "Wonder of Learning" curriculum. Crafted by Goddard's curriculum experts, this innovative, inquiry-based learning model is designed to ignite and nurture children's innate curiosity.
The curriculum builds on what children already love—play and exploration—helping them understand themselves and the world around them. It's a dynamic approach that promises to shape well-rounded individuals ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
Education and Community Engagement in One
As the Goddard School in Eagan continues to grow and evolve under Kara's leadership, it speaks to the power of education and the long-lasting value of community engagement. Kara Berdahl's Goddard School might be the perfect fit for parents seeking a caring and intellectually stimulating educational setting.
To learn more, visit https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/mn/eagan/eagan.
We intend to prepare children not just for school, but for life. We create a nurturing environment that speaks to all aspects of a child's development, including emotional and behavioral growth."