Julia & Nicholas Runnebohm
Early Learning Center
Our Story
At the Julia & Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning Center, we’re proud to be a Level 3 Paths to QUALITY provider, offering an intentionally designed curriculum that nurtures school readiness and supports every aspect of your child’s development.
Our classrooms spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence through engaging environments where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and take ownership of their learning. With a blend of teacher-led guidance and child-directed exploration, our Creative Curriculum adapts to each child’s interests and learning style.
From language and science to music, art, dramatic play, and motor development, children experience hands-on learning that makes each day enriching, purposeful, and fun.
A Strong Beginning for Every Child
At the Julia & Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning Center, we believe that a strong start leads to a lifetime of success. Every child is unique, and our programs are designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence from the very first day. We provide a safe, welcoming environment where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can explore, play, and learn at their own pace, surrounded by caring teachers and supportive peers.
Our approach focuses on the whole child, addressing emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. By creating experiences that challenge and delight, we help children build a strong foundation for future learning while fostering a love for discovery that lasts a lifetime.
Early learning is more than preparing for school — it’s about cultivating the skills, habits, and confidence that children need to thrive. At our center, we encourage curiosity and exploration through hands-on activities, promote social and emotional growth by teaching empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation, and support physical development through movement, motor skill practice, and active play.
Children are introduced to early academic concepts in fun and engaging ways, while we partner closely with families to provide guidance, resources, and consistent communication. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and excited to explore, and every interaction, activity, and lesson is designed to nurture the whole child, empowering them to grow in every area of life.
Ages at the ELC
6 Weeks - 12 Months
We provide personalized care in a calm, nurturing environment where each baby’s needs and routines are respected. Children engage in gentle sensory activities, early language experiences, music, and movement while building social-emotional skills. Our caring teachers foster comfort, trust, and exploration to support each child’s growth from the very first day.
1 - 3 Years Old
We provide a rich, play-based environment where toddlers explore art, music, language, math, and sensory activities through guided and free-choice experiences. Children build language skills, develop independence, practice problem-solving, and grow socially and emotionally in a nurturing classroom where teachers model empathy and cooperation.
3 - 4 Years Old
We offer small-group, hands-on learning that strengthens language, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Children develop motor skills, engage in collaborative play, and explore early academics through lessons in math, science, art, and literacy while growing socially and emotionally in a supportive classroom community.
4-5 Years Old
(Pre-Kindergrten)
In our pre-kindergarten program, children focus on school readiness through project-based learning and individualized instruction. They build confidence, independence, and leadership skills while deepening their knowledge of math, science, literacy, and problem-solving, preparing them for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Our Leadership
Cassi Tomamichel
Executive Director
Cassi Tomamichel serves as the Executive Director of the Julia & Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning Center. With more than a decade of experience as a teacher, mentor, and director, she brings a deep commitment to early childhood education — and, as a mother of two, she understands the trust families place in those who care for their children.
Cassi is passionate about watching young children grow, celebrating their discoveries, and supporting the relationships they build in the classroom. She values strong partnerships with families and strives to ensure every parent feels confident, welcomed, and supported.
She is honored to guide children and families through this meaningful stage of learning and development and is grateful to be part of the everyday laughter and growth that fill the center.
Emily Robinson
Assistant Director
Emily Robinson serves as the Assistant Director of the Julia & Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning Center. With 16 years of experience in early childhood education, including 14 years as a lead teacher, she brings a passion for helping children learn and supporting the people who care for them. As a mother of three, including a child on the autism spectrum, she understands the importance of safe, nurturing, and high-quality educational opportunities.
Emily loves working with children of all ages and finds joy in the “aha” moments when a new concept clicks. Those everyday discoveries remind her of the difference educators make in a child’s life and inspire her commitment to early childhood education.
Her father, a school principal, often told her, “If you take care of your people, they will take care of you” - advice that continues to guide her support for teachers, children, and families.
