When you step into Mouna’s Children Center, you quickly notice it’s more than just a childcare facility—it’s a 
community built on compassion, inclusion, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that celebrates who they are.
For founder and director Maimouna Coulibaly, this center is the realization of a lifelong passion for education, children, and meaningful care.
A Passion That Found Its Purpose
Maimouna’s journey began over 20 years ago when her daughter was enrolled in a Head Start program in New York. As a volunteer in the classroom, she discovered her calling.
“I was helping as a teacher’s aide and found myself falling in love with working with children,” she shared. “It became something I truly loved.”
Though her early career path led her through business administration and office management, Maimouna always found her way back to education.
“No matter what I did, I always ended up back with kids. I finally realized that’s where I was meant to be.”
After working for Minneapolis Public Schools in the special education department, Maimouna noticed a heartbreaking trend: many children with disabilities were being turned away from daycare centers. That realization became the driving force behind her vision.
“I wanted to create a place where all children—no matter their abilities—could feel welcomed and supported,” she said. “Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t learn. It just means you may need to be taught differently.”
A Center Built on Inclusion and Understanding
At Mouna’s Children Center, inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation. 
Maimouna and her team work intentionally to understand how each child learns best, ensuring that developmental and educational needs are met through individualized care and curriculum.
“Not every child learns the same way,” she explained. “If a child learns better by moving around or exploring, we let them do that. It’s about meeting them where they are and helping them grow from there.”
Her background in early childhood development and experience in special education allows her to train staff to recognize learning differences and provide the right kind of support.
“When teachers understand how a child’s brain works, they can truly help them thrive,” she added.
Empowering Teachers, Strengthening Care
Maimouna knows that creating a nurturing environment for children starts with supporting educators. Having left her 
own teaching role years ago due to low pay, she is determined to change that within her center.
“I want my teachers to be able to do what they love and still make enough to take care of their families,” she said. “When teachers feel valued and supported, that care shows in the way they work with children.”
Her commitment includes offering competitive pay, benefits, and retirement plans—an uncommon but intentional practice in the childcare industry. This not only supports teacher well-being but also ensures stability for children.
“Kids need consistency,” she emphasized. “Changing teachers every few months can be emotionally hard on them. Stability matters.”
A Thoughtful Approach to Learning
At Mouna’s Children Center, curriculum is not “one size fits all.” Each child is assessed individually, and learning plans are designed to match their developmental stage.
“There’s no such thing as one curriculum that fits every child,” Maimouna said. “We focus on where each child is and build from there—always through play, hands-on experiences, and positive relationships.”
She incorporates French language instruction into the program, inspired by Montessori-style play-based learning and her own West African heritage where French is the official language.
“I noticed there were immersion schools for Spanish and other languages, so I thought, why not French?” she said. “It’s spoken on every continent, and starting early gives children an advantage.”
Going Beyond Traditional Childcare
In addition to full-time care, Mouna’s Children Center offers drop-in care for parents who may stay home with their
children but occasionally need a few hours for errands or self-care.
With winter break approaching, the center also provides seasonal camps—winter, spring, and summer—designed to keep children engaged, learning, and socializing during school breaks.
The Infant Room Difference
One of Maimouna’s greatest points of pride is her infant program.
Rather than following the minimum staffing requirements, she intentionally places additional staff in the infant room—ensuring individualized attention, comfort, and connection.
“Infants need a lot of care and connection,” she explained. “Having more teachers means babies get the attention and development they need. It’s about what’s best for them, not just what’s required.”
Looking Ahead
As Mouna’s Children Center continues to grow, Maimouna has her sights set on opening additional locations in the future—perhaps even developing into a franchise one day. But her mission will always stay the same: creating spaces where children of all abilities feel valued, loved, and capable.
“I want parents to know their children are seen, supported, and understood here,” she said. “Every child deserves that.”
Learn more about Mouna’s Children Center:
Website: mounachildrencenter.com
Location: 11000 Blossom Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone: 612-458-6779
Email: Mounachildrencenter@yahoo.com
