Classroom Experience

Treks and Trails is known for its dedicated teachers with a unique hands-on curriculum that prepares the whole child for their next school experience. From station exploration to learning letter and sound recognition coupled with science, art, music, and language experiences and writing exercises the program works with your child at their individual level. The preschool is also well known for our detailed screening and conference time with the parents and teachers twice a year.

Chaska Community Center (CCC) Use

In addition to the classroom experiences, the children also have the opportunity to experience the CCC. The children enjoy the following programs and amenities:

  • Book Nook in The Lodge with the Active Older Adults (AOAs) (the kids refer to them as the Grandfriends)
  • Gallery art shows each spring 
  • Holiday and Spring programs on the stage in the Theater
  • Seasonal field trips

Teachers

Sandy Jansen
Treks & Trails Coordinator 

Originally, I am from Florida but moved to Minnesota in 2001. I have two amazing children, Tyler, 23 and Ashley, 21 . I enjoy watching football (SKOL VIKINGS!) running, golfing, fishing, and spending time with my family.  

I have a background in early childhood and I have been with Treks and Trails since it's opening in 2007. I’ve worked at the Community Center for 21 years and have taught numerous preschool/youth classes for the Parks and Recreation Department. I am an energetic and passionate teacher who puts the needs of the children first. I truly enjoy every minute of my time in the classroom. Not only do I teach your children, but every year I find myself learning life lessons from them as well. 


Heather LeSueur
Lead Teacher for the Tu/Th Class

My husband, Rehn and I have lived in Minnesota for 20 years, the last nine being in Chaska. We have four sons ages 20, 18, 16 and 13. I love being a boy mom and I learned a lot from each of my sons. I love spending time with my family, playing games, hiking, being outside, crafting and reading. I have a degree in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. Through teaching in my home or in church Sunday school lessons and volunteering in classrooms, I have spent most of the last 20 years teaching and filling leadership roles with our youth. I am a firm believer that kids learn best through play and exploration. Preschool is my favorite age to teach. 


Miss Sungin
Assistant Teacher for Tu/Th Class

Originally, I am from Korea and grew up in Seoul. Education brought me to the USA as a foreign student to achieve my future career. I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2007 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marriage and Family Human Development. I recognized my passion for working with children early on and took a year during college to work with children on the autism spectrum. I also taught Korean at Utah Valley Korean School for more than 13 years to Korean Americans who were born and raised in the USA. Meantime, I taught many different age groups at church. I like to learn new things and study anything relevant to helping children of all ages with special needs. Currently, I am taking online classes to get a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. I am expecting to get it at the end of 2023. As soon as I finish this program, I would like to study more in the field of Special Education. My husband Han, and I met at college and have three wonderful children together Kayleen (16), Brayden (12), and Aiden (7). We live in Chaska. My hobbies include spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling. I also enjoy doing golf, soccer, tennis, skiing, camping, and watching baseball games, when I have free time.