About ABCD Daycare

A family story more than fifty years in the making — rooted in Hayden, grown through love.

Our Name

What's in a Name? Everything.

In 1969, Berta and Fred Bjurstrom opened a daycare in Hayden, Idaho — and named it after their four children. Andy. Barbara. Clayton. Dan.

Those four letters have carried through more than half a century, through three generations and thousands of children. ABCD isn't just a name — it's the foundation every child builds upon: the beginning of everything they will learn, discover, and become.

Today that same spirit guides every caregiver, every classroom, and every morning drop-off at 3252 W Robison Ave in Hayden.

Colorful ABCD alphabet building blocks
A — Andy B — Barbara C — Clayton D — Dan
Our History

A Legacy Built Over Generations

From a family home in Hayden to a trusted institution in North Idaho — here's how ABCD Daycare grew.

Berta and Fred Bjurstrom
1969

Berta & Fred Bjurstrom Open ABCD Daycare

With four young children of their own — Andy, Barbara, Clayton, and Dan — Berta and Fred Bjurstrom open a daycare in Hayden, Idaho, naming it after their kids' initials. A tradition of family care is born.

Andy and Chris Bjurstrom
1994

Andy & Chris Bjurstrom Take the Helm

Son Andy and his wife Chris step in to lead ABCD Daycare, bringing fresh energy and a deep personal connection to its mission. Over the next three decades they expand to two locations — Hayden and Coeur d'Alene — growing the waitlist and the community's trust.

2020

Navigating COVID-19

When the pandemic forces an industry-wide shutdown, Andy and Chris keep their staff employed through PPP loans and return to serve families as quickly as safely possible. The challenge also brings a new awareness — a noticeable rise in behavioral needs and speech delays in young children requiring compassionate, patient care.

Ashley Lenz
2022

Ashley Lenz Becomes Director — The Third Generation

Amid post-pandemic labor shortages and rising costs, ABCD Daycare consolidates to its Hayden location. Andy and Chris retire after nearly 30 years of leadership. Their daughter Ashley Lenz — who first joined the daycare at age 17 and has worked with every age group from 2 to 6 — steps into the role of Director, keeping the family's hands-on legacy alive in a new generation.

Today

Stronger Than Ever in Hayden

At 3252 W Robison Ave, ABCD Daycare continues to serve North Idaho families Monday through Friday, maintaining its A+ BBB rating and passing annual state inspections. Over 55 years after it began, the mission remains the same: every child deserves a warm, safe, loving place to grow.

Meet the Family

Meet Ashley and Heidi

ABCD Daycare isn't run by a corporation — it's run by a family that has dedicated their lives to the children of Hayden.

Ashley Lenz

Ashley

Director · 3rd Generation · 2022–Present

Ashley has been part of ABCD Daycare since she was 17, and over more than two decades she has worked with every age group from two-year-olds through kindergarten. As Director, she carries forward the family's caring, hands-on tradition while bringing fresh energy, creativity, and a deep love for children and families.

Heidi, manager at ABCD Daycare

Heidi

Manager · ABCD Daycare

Heidi has been a valued part of the ABCD Daycare family for nine years. As a wife and mother of three teenagers, she understands how much families value a safe, loving, positive place for their children, and her steady leadership helps every child feel known, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Our Mission

What We Believe

Everything we do flows from a simple belief: every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and excited to learn.

Safety First, Always

Our facility is state licensed, regularly inspected, and maintained to the highest standards. Parents trust us because we've earned it — year after year, inspection after inspection.

Learning Through Play

Play is how children make sense of the world. Our programs are designed around this truth — balancing structured activities with creative, child-led exploration.

Every Child, Every Day

We meet each child where they are. Whether navigating separation anxiety, speech development, or just needing an extra hug — our educators show up fully, every single day.

Rooted in Community

ABCD Daycare isn't just a business in Hayden — it's part of the fabric of this community. We've walked alongside North Idaho families through five decades of life.

Come See What Family Care Looks Like

We'd love to meet you and your child. Call us or learn more about our programs and enrollment process.

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