Retired educator to lead Leo Augusta daycare

Retirement didn’t last very long for Doug Anderson.
Less than a few months after retiring as principal at NRHEG Elementary School in Ellendale, Anderson, 58, has taken on the role of director of the Leo Augusta Children’s Academy in Blooming Prairie.
“I knew when I retired, it wouldn’t last long,” Anderson said last week. But when he stepped away from NRHEG in June, he wasn’t exactly clear what would be next.
He soon came across the vision for Leo Augusta, a daycare center being developed by the Kruckeberg family. Construction is set to begin this week on the 18,000-square-foot, 3-acre facility on the north edge of Blooming Prairie. The property has been donated as part of a $1 million gift from Craig and Robyn Kruckeberg and family.
“This has been a perfect fit for me, being able to continue to work with kids and families,” said Anderson. “It’s right in line with what I hoped to do in retirement. This has a strong academic program, which has always been near and dear to my heart.”
Anderson joked about how the hardest part of taking this new job will be the 10-mile commute from Ellendale to Blooming Prairie. “In 36 years (of education), I have never traveled more than eight blocks to work,” he said, adding it’s “ideal to have this kind of position in an area that I absolutely love.”
Anderson said he knows he has his work cut out for him. His first priority has been to establish licensing requirements with the state. In addition to overseeing the upcoming construction project, he will be heading up a $2 million fundraising campaign. And if that isn’t enough, he has to develop a curriculum and hire staff before the slated opening in April.
But Anderson is excited about the opportunity and knows his past experience will ease the burden. He brings 11 years of experience as principal at Ellendale plus another 25 years of teaching experience from Windom.
“I have a strong background in working with young children,” Anderson said. “I feel this is a natural fit with my abilities and strengths. I enjoy working with families to help kids reach their potential.”
Anderson has nothing but high praise for Leo Augusta and what it’s trying to accomplish for Blooming Prairie. “This is something that’s unique, with an emphasis on educational opportunities. Kids will be involved with their hands and minds with learning,” he said. “There will be many things that will set Leo Augusta aside from others,” he added.
By January, Anderson plans to begin assembling a strong team of lead teachers, assistant teachers and paraprofessionals. Leo Augusta will need staffing to accommodate up to 144 children. The center will employ about 24 people.
Leo Augusta, Anderson said, will be utilizing the Creative Curriculum program. The center’s goal is to help children become independent, self-confident and inquisitive learners.
“The most important goal of our programming is to help children become enthusiastic learners,” Anderson said. “This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts.”
Anderson said there will be separate rooms for infants, toddlers, pre-school and school-aged children. Busing will be available for school-aged kids to Blooming Prairie Elementary School.
Caring for children isn’t something Anderson takes lightly. “Great things are possible by building relationships with families,” he said, adding it’s a huge responsibility for Leo Augusta to assist families who are entrusting the center with their children.
And just in case anyone is worried about Anderson’s allegiance to schools – rest easy, as he says he’s placed the Panther garb in the closet.
“I am now all about the Awesome Blossoms,” Anderson said with a smile.