Young Innovators Academy of Winter Park
At Young Innovators Academy of Winter Park, we nurture curiosity and spark creativity every day. Our preschool and childcare programs are designed to empower children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in school and in life.
Our Hours
Join Our Team
We’re looking for positive, energetic educators in Winter Park who are passionate about inspiring and nurturing young learners.
What Makes YIA Schools Different?
At Young Innovators Academy, we don’t just prepare children for kindergarten—we prepare them for life. Every YIA school delivers a high-quality, future-focused learning experience grounded in innovation, purpose, and care.
Inspired by American innovation principles, we place children at the center of their educational experience, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability. By breaking away from outdated methods, we prepare young minds to lead, transform, and shape the future.
The CAPE™ Framework:
At the Heart of Every Lesson
Every lesson is built around our four-part CAPE™ model, which guides how children explore the world and their role in it:
Challenge or Connect
Spark curiosity and emotional connection through stories, questions, or play.
Analyze
Encourage investigation, experimentation, and critical thinking.
Produce
Inspire children to create, design, and bring their ideas to life.
Evaluate & Give Back
Reflect, share, and consider how their work can help others.
MEET THE TEAM
Curriculum & Education Leadership
Dr. Debby Mitchell
Vice President of Curriculum
An early childhood education expert with decades of experience, Dr. Mitchell leads curriculum design, ensuring alignment with developmental research and educational best practices.
Sammy Canabal
Elementary Education Program Specialist
A seasoned instructional leader, Sammy supports teacher coaching and curriculum implementation across YIA schools.
Domi Maigut
Enrichment Program Director
Domi designs and leads enrichment programs in music, nature, art, and culture—bringing hands-on, joyful learning into every classroom.
Operations & Strategic Support
Erika Seger
Director of School Operations
With expertise in licensing and compliance, Erika creates systems that allow school directors to focus on what matters most—children.
Misti Castner
Director of School Operations
Misti helps schools implement operational systems that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with licensing requirements and quality standards.
Oliver Von Trapp
Vice President of Expansion
Oliver leads YIA’s U.S. and international growth, supporting new school onboarding, licensing, and strategic partnerships.
Why More Families Are Choosing Young Innovators Academy in Winter Park
At Young Innovators Academy of Winter Park, we view each child as capable, curious, and full of potential—not empty vessels to be filled, but innovators ready to be guided, challenged, and inspired.
- We combine the joy of play with purposeful learning Children explore, create, and discover through projects that are both engaging and deeply meaningful.
- We teach your child to think, create, collaborate, and lead Not just memorize. We build the mindsets that prepare children for real-world success.
- We’re designed for today’s learners—and tomorrow’s world Our CAPE™ Framework integrates STEAM, design thinking, and giving-back projects that grow future-ready skills.
- We keep parents engaged with real-time insights You’ll always know how your child is growing—through digital portfolios, progress updates, and daily communication.
- We offer flexibility, structure, and meaningful social-emotional learning Children thrive in environments that are consistent yet adaptable, with embedded SEL to support their hearts and minds.
Programs for Every Age:
Infant Care to Kindergarten in Winter Park
Infant
Infant
Toddler
Toddler
Early Preschool
Early Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Summer Camp
Learn More About our Academy
Discover what makes Young Innovators Academy of Winter Park a leader in educational child care. Contact us today to learn more, and a member of our team will reach out to you.