About Us
A warm, woodsy welcome awaits you at the TeddyBear Treehouse Learning Center...a habitat of learning and love, health and happiness, where small hands hold big dreams! TeddyBear Treehouse Learning Center is an Early Childhood Education Center, established in Buffalo, Minnesota in 2014 by Tammi Balder, a teacher with a Master's Degree in Early Childhood, a Birth-Grade 3 teaching license, and a magical dream! The treehouse facility is home to a privately-owned, state-licensed Preschool, a "Tumbling Teddies" preschool gymnastics gym and the newest addition, the Toddler Treehouse for Toddlers and their parents. Exploring, investigating, playing, learning and exercising body and mind while making connections, building relationships and having fun is the mission! Building a foundation that encourages a love of learning starts here as a Toddler and continues into their elementary years. We offer:
​​*TeddyBear Treehouse Preschool (Ages 3-5)
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*Toddler Treehouse: Tumbling, Music & Movement classes, and
Educational Play Park (ages 1-3)
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*Tumbling Teddies: Gymnastics classes (ages 3-K)
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*Holiday Parties/Themed Camps
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*NEW- Simply Me Girl's Club: Inspirational lessons on Self-esteem, Friendship building, Positive Mindset- Cheer & Tumble/Crafts/Christian-based lessons.
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TeddyBear Treehouse Learning Center is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development of its students while respecting the needs of each family and celebrating the individuality of each child.
Mission Statement
Meet The Team
Director/Teacher
My name is Tammi Balder, better known as “Teacher Tammi.” I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood, having graduated with a 4.0 and honors from Capella University in 2015. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, with a minor in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. My experiences range from owning, directing and teaching at TeddyBear Treehouse Learning Center since 2013, teaching preschool at New Horizon Childcare to High School English at Monticello High School, at-risk youth at Monticello Alternative School, and as a paraprofessional in a Kindergarten classroom. I have been a resident of Buffalo for over twenty years, have two lovely daughters, Michalea and Kylie, and for the past nineteen years have owned and operated Tammi’s Tumbling Teddies, a preschool gymnastics business teaching over 1,000 preschoolers the love of exercise and gymnastics, all the while incorporating entertaining themes under the spotlight of ABC’s, 123’s, colors, shapes and music. I am a compassionate, creative, and energetic teacher who is passionate about creating curriculum, preparing preschoolers academically and socially for success in kindergarten, and building self-esteem and confidence. From my treehouse to yours… a warm, TLC woodland welcome to TeddyBear Treehouse Learning Center!
Tammi Balder
Teacher
I adore being a preschool & tumbling teacher at TLC! Encouraging, laughing and learning with our littlest students is sheer joy, and I love how everyday at school is a new and exciting adventure together! Having an amazing preschool experience sets an important foundation for creativity, self-confidence, and a willingness to learn. I love being part of the nurturing TLC environment where each kiddo’s uniqueness is celebrated and encouraged.
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​I attended college at the University of St. Thomas where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations. I love writing and giving attention to detail and I was blessed to do that for Carlson Companies and the Osseo School District before I became a stay-at-home Mom and teacher at TLC. I live on Pulaski Lake in Buffalo with my husband Matt and our daughter Ariana, who attends Discovery Elementary. We share our home with two furry friends: a Golden Retriever named Stella and a super-sweet orange cat named Izzy. I am an energetic, creative, and compassionate teacher, eager to give a high five to congratulate, a hug when needed or wipe a away a tear to comfort. Helping children understand their feelings and work through them is my strength.
Amy BlakeField
Teacher
I am a kind-hearted, patient, creative and kid-loving teacher! I began my journey nearly 30 years ago raising my own 3 children. I spent 17 years teaching toddlers and preschoolers in the Buffalo School District in the Early Childhood Family Education program., until finding TLC in 2017. I The most rewarding part of my job is the journey from the beginning to the end of the year, supporting and witnessing the growth and development of each and every child in their own special way! I LOVE my TeddyBear Treehouse family and look forward to teaching, learning, growing making more memories with your children!
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​I have been married to my high school sweetheart Robert for 30 years. We raised three beautiful children Adam, Jordan & Kellie in this amazing Buffalo community. My lifelong passion for capturing memories and photography led me to open Lisa Kretsch Photography in 2015. I am not only a teacher, but the TLC class photographer and LOVE capturing your children in action, excited and loving to learn. Be sure to check out the TLC Facebook page frequently! I enjoy shopping for awesome children’s books to share with the children and sewing book buddies and storyboard characters to encourage storytelling. I am creative, organized, and crafty. I am loving, patient, and gently. The children tell me I am kind and fun too!