Leschi
135 32nd Ave. 
Seattle, WA 98122
206-323-9465
leschi@communitydayschool.org
CDSA is pleased to be able to offer you school-aged childcare and preschool on site at Leschi Elementary School. The programs are housed in a designated childcare space designed specifically for an out of school time program. The preschool program is in an adjacent room. Both are on the bottom level of the school across from the school cafeteria. We are also fortunate to have use of the school gym, library, and cafeteria as well as the lovely park, Peppi’s Park, right next to the school.
National Accreditation (NAEYC)
CDSA at Leschi is in the process of acquiring national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). To learn more about CDSA’s accreditation process and NAEYC vist our accreditation page.
Kris Baldassin – Center Director
Kris has worked with children and families for over 25 years as a family childcare provider, a Head Start teacher and Center Coordinator. She holds a BA. in Human Development: Early Childhood Education, from Pacific Oaks College. Kris grew up in Washington State and has two adult children and a husband of 30 years. Outside of CDSA, Kris enjoys gardening, cooking, camping, and spending time with here granddaughter Charli.
Renee Washington – Preschool Teacher
Renee has over five years of experience in working with children of all ages. She attended North Seattle Community College to obtain her AA in Early Childhood Education. Renee has worked for CDSA Leschi before and was eager to return as much as we were eager to have her back! We are excited to have her passion and commitment.
Marian Dayao - Preschool Teacher
Marian comes to CDSA with a vast amount of experience and knowledge. Formally the Executive Directors Assistant for CDSA, Marian followed her passion and is now a preschool teacher for Leschi. Receiving her B.A. in English from the University of Washington, Marian went on to earn her Masters Degree in English from the University of Leeds in Leeds, UK. Marian has been working in early childhood education for over five years, gaining experience as a teachers aid and activities coordinator for the University of Washington’s Children’s Center.
Maria Abdullahi - Enrichment Teacher
Maria grew up in Seattle and graduated from Seattle University in December 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Humanities for Teaching. She has been working with children for over 10 years and prior to CDSA; volunteering and working in the Seattle Public Schools as well as volunteering and working at a tutoring program in her childhood neighborhood. Maria is very passionate about education and working with children!
Destiny Bentley - Enrichment Teacher
Destiny comes to CDSA with experience working with children ages 12 months to 12 years through Burien Parks & Recreation and From Roots to Wings Early Childhood Development Center. A proud mother of her 2 yr old daughter, Destiny provides CDSA Leschi with an immense amount of patience and leadership.
Destiny believes here is nothing more rewarding than teaching and being able to help children who will one day be teaching others or even kids of their own.
Jesse Thach – Enrichment Teacher
Jesse received his B.A. in Political Science and minored in Human Rights and Law, Societies, and Justice. Jesse came to realize throughout the years that he has a great amount of passion and pride for working with children. Before and during his time at the University of Washington, Jesse volunteered at Asa Mercer Middle School tutoring students then continued on to work at the Boys and Girls Club of Americas’ Viewridge Branch and the Associated Recreation Council. Jesse left the childcare sector to work in the corporate environment, but felt that the work was too mundane and just out-right boring.
Outside of work, Jesse loves to play/watch soccer, work on a project, whether it is building a bookshelf or building a website –he loves to challenge himself and learning new things. Jesse hopes to encourage the youth at Community Day School Association to have the same passion in learning and challenging themselves.