Growing Minds Collective

Where Play Meets Nature and Young Minds Grow Wildly Curious

We are now NAEYC Recognized!!!

For more information, head to "Our Story".

A nature-based, mixed-age & licensed private early childhood education program inspired by Reggio Emilia in the Brookside Neighborhood of Norwalk, CT, providing play-based learning for children 6 months to 5 years old.

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Ready for a program where muddy boots are badges of honor?
Schedule a tour and see play-based, nature-rich learning in action. Spaces are limited to keep ratios low and curiosity high.

We collaborate with trusted, state-approved specialists to ensure every child’s growth is nurtured through our play-based, nature-rich approach. Each month you’ll receive a personalized newsletter that captures your child’s forest discoveries, mud-kitchen milestones, and the developmental strides they’re making while learning through play at Growing Minds Collective.

2026 Tuition:

Full-time enrollment (5 days/week) = $2,150/month
3 days/week = $1,857/month
2 days/week = $1,486/month

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In nature

With a 1:4 ratio, a devoted teaching team, and a thoughtfully structured program, Growing Minds Collective goes beyond a traditional childcare setting—our play-based curriculum keeps children outdoors 60–70% every day - rain, snow, or shine!

Through play

Children learn best when doing, not just listening. Our curriculum turns every discovery—balancing on a log, building a stick fort, watching ants carry crumbs—into a spark for language, math, and problem-solving.

As a whole

Every day we spark growth by turning natural curiosities into learning adventures. Blending guided provocations with open-ended play, we give young minds room to explore, experiment, and flourish.

The Classroom

Our program is rooted in play-based learning, with a strong focus on fostering independence through a balanced mix of structured activities and unstructured play. Our curriculum is built on the importance of learning life skills outside of the classroom blending guided learning with open-ended exploration. In our warm, home-based environment, children are encouraged to grow, discover, and thrive at their own pace.

Toddler Daily Rhythm (1-3 years old)

7:30 - 8:00 AM

8:00 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 9:30 AM
9:30 - 11:15 AM
11:15 - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 2:30 PM

2:30 - 3:00 PM
3:00 - 5:00 PM

5:00 - 5:30 PM

Early Care (if requested)

Arrival, Breakfast & Exploratory Play
Unstructured Play & Morning Meeting
Outdoor Exploration & Hands-On Activities
Lunch

Nap/Quiet Time
Snack
Guided Activity, Outdoor Play & Pickup

Late Care (if requested)

Preschool Daily Rhythm (3-5 years old)

7:30 - 8:00 AM

8:00 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 9:30 AM

9:30 - 11:15 AM

11:15 - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 2:30 PM

2:30 - 3:00 PM
3:00 - 5:00 PM

5:00 - 5:30 PM

Early Care (if requested)

Arrival, Breakfast & Choice Play
Morning Meeting

(Calendar, Discussion, Social Learning)
Outdoor Focused Learning Block

(Literacy, Math, or Thematic Exploration)

Lunch

Nap/Quiet Time
Snack
Enrichment Activities, Outdoor Play & Pickup

(Art, Sensory, STEM, or Group Project)

Late Care (if requested)

Infant Daily Rythm (under 12 months)

Our infant program follows each child’s individual rhythm, with care centered around their unique needs for feeding, sleep, exploration, and connection.

Our educators provide responsive, nurturing care through meaningful interactions, sensory experiences, movement, music, and age-appropriate play.

As much as developmentally appropriate, infants are provided opportunities for fresh air and outdoor exploration while receiving the individualized attention they need to grow and thrive.

Our Space

Nestled in the peaceful Brookside neighborhood of Norwalk, Growing Minds Collective operates from a thoughtfully curated environment designed to support connection, exploration, and intentional learning.

Our space blends the warmth of a home with the structure of a high-quality early childhood program. Each area is purposefully designed — from inviting learning spaces and creative corners to cozy areas for rest — allowing children to move through their day with a sense of comfort, independence, and curiosity.

Outdoors, our fully fenced property offers a natural extension of the classroom. Children engage in daily outdoor experiences that support sensory exploration, gross motor development, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Every detail of our environment is intentionally considered to foster joyful learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-child development — while preserving the close-knit, community feel that defines Growing Minds Collective.