Growing Minds Collective

Where Play Meets Nature and Young Minds Grow Wildly Curious

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.

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.

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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)

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.