Learning Living Growing together
Children have a natural curiosity about them which is why MidCoast Munchkins follows a play, explore, and learn philosophy. It is a child’s curiosity and wonder that drives MCM to want to share the world with them. Our passion comes from the heart and our goal is to guide the children to be kind, loving, caring human beings on this earth. MCM helps develop their self-esteem, sense of purpose, critical thinking, ability to overcome difficulties, and appreciate the simple things. They will learn how to work with others and be a contributing member of our society which will hopefully stay with them as they continue on this journey we call life.
Play is essential to development and it can look different in everyone’s eyes but for us, play is when children are free. Free to create, free to explore, free to discover, free to imagine, and free to choose. With a blend of learning styles children will be given the time and space to accomplish goals as they build their toolbox for life. Being free requires respect, responsibilities, and rules which are important lessons we weave into our daily flow.
MidCoast Munchkins’ biggest tool in education is having real-life experiences. One of the best ways to experience real life is by doing. Because when a child is included, seen, heard, and trusted they feel empowered. When you combine that with their curiosity and love for learning, anything is possible.
Above all, MCM treats every child with respect because every child deserves respect.
How they got here
Develop Your Path to Greatness
Born in 1985 into a large loving family, Daniela lived in Plattsburgh, New York until 2005 when she moved to Lake Tahoe. With 10 years of experience and her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, she opened up her first daycare, Mountain Munchkins in 2012. Mountain Munchkins thrived for 8 amazing years with weekly forest walks, storytime at the library, farmers’ markets, beach time and so much more.
In 2020, they decided to close the doors to Mountain Munchkins and move with their children back east to be closer to family, which is how MidCoast Munchkins emerged. Carrying the same philosophy as before they opened the doors to MCM in 2021. Over the last two years, their program has blossomed in the new environment.
During this time they were preparing for their firstborn to age out of their program and head off to first grade. Not finding a school that was nature-based and part-time they enrolled her in the local public school. Turns out it was a beautiful school filled with beautiful people and everyone was happy. But inside there was a light still burning reminding them that life could look differently. It took a while to realise what was right in front of them, their program embodies all of this and so much more. So here they are today doing what they have always done; learning, living and growing together.
Rick McDuffie
Daniela and Rick have been together since 2005 and both have huge hearts. For the last 20 years, Rick has spent the winter months ski patrolling at Alpine Meadows and in the summer he is, Captain Rick, cruising around on the waters. Today Rick is loving his journey as a nursing student at SMCC. Rick plays a big role in the daycare, the kids mostly know him for his musical skills and his silly dad jokes!
Mayla & Jack Mcduffie
Mayla and Jack are the inspirations to live this lifestyle of love, happiness, and simplicity. We want to raise our children to be kind and respectful, curious and courageous, strong and supportive all while respecting mother nature. It is this generation that will make the change.
The Pets
3-year-old golden/lab mix, Dynosaur
8-year-old cat, Pete
8 chickens
All the fur babes are gentle and loving and choose to hang with us.
The future of our homestead is unknown so you never know who will show up next on our list. Bees? Goats? Ducks?