Contacts:

Kristin Nestler, Executive Director                                                                                       
Miss Kristin, the preschool owner, earned a Bachelor's degree with a major in psychology from St. Joseph's College in New York in 2001, as well as the VPK endorsed Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential in 2007.  She is currently attending Florida Gulf Coast University to obtain a Master's degree in School Counseling.  Miss Kristin has previous experience as a Child Protective Investigator for Child Protective Services on Long Island, investigating reports of alleged child neglect and maltreatment.  She has also worked for the Florida Department of Children and Families as a Family Services Counselor in the child care department, conducting inspections of child care facilities and family child care homes in Charlotte County to ensure compliance with state health and safety standards.   Chutes 'n' Ladders was created in August of 2006 after seeing a great need for quality child care and preschool education services in the area.  Miss Kristin is responsible for all administrative functions of the company.

                                                                                                                             
Merry Childs, Director
Miss Merry has been the center Director of Chutes 'n' Ladders since its opening in August of 2006.  She has brought to the center many years of knowledge and experience in the field of early childhood education, both in the classroom and as an administrator. Miss Merry has taught preschool for 7 years, and has 5 years experience as a preschool Director.  She has recently renewed her Florida Child Care Professional Credential, as well as the Director Credential with the VPK Director Endorsement course.  In addition to teaching the 3-year-old class with Miss Shawnda, Miss Merry is also responsible for the management of daily operations, which includes personnel and enrollment. Miss Merry continues to learn and grow within the field by attending many child care trainings throughout the year, including the recent Director roundtable discussion series at the Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Heartland.  As all staff members, she is certified in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid.  Miss Merry is the proud mother of Kristin, Kerryn, and Hunter.

Location and Directions:

Chutes 'n' Ladders Early Development Center stands at the entrance to the Gardens of Gulf Cove on the corner of Coliseum Blvd. and Muriel Ave.  We are conveniently located just off route 776 1/4 west of Gasparilla Rd., just over the El Jobean bridge, in the Gulf Cove division of Port Charlotte.  Although our physical address is considered Port Charlotte, we are located only 9 miles east of Englewood.

Payment Methods:

We currently accept payments via cash, check, or money order, as well as online credit and debit card payments via Paypal.  We also accept subsidized child care payments from the Charlotte County via the Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Heartland, and Sarasota Country through Child Care Connection.