Currently, we are a mixed-age home daycare operating in Norwalk, CT with one classroom for ages 12 months to 5 years old.

We are working on growing into a full service Early Childhood Education System comprised of The Daycare, The Academy & The Companions. But what is The Academy & The Companions?...

The Academy: mixed-age homeschool pods for Pre-K through 4th Grade students.

The Companions: day programs serving families through flexible and supportive options for every stage of early learning.

Our goals is to meet families where they are, regardless of their schedule, needs, or circumstances.

Click here to read more about our vision.

A mixed-age classroom of toddlers and preschoolers mirrors a family ecosystem where younger children learn by watching and imitating older peers, while the “big kids” strengthen their own skills by modeling and teaching what they know. Daily collaboration across the 12-month-to-4-year span promotes richer language exposure, accelerates social-emotional growth (empathy, patience, leadership), and reduces competition because developmental expectations are naturally individualized. Younger children stretch toward higher-level play and vocabulary, older children gain confidence and problem-solving practice, and everyone benefits from a wider repertoire of play themes and ideas—creating a dynamic, nurturing community that supports each child’s unique pace of development.

Click here to apply. We will respond within 48 hours regarding your interest in enrolling at GMC. Please note that submitting the form places you on our waitlist if spots are not readily available.

• All the Essentials—On Us:
 Every child receives a steady supply of premium, fragrance-free diapers and wipes, so you can leave the bulky diaper bag at home.

• Cot Sheet (which will be washed at the end of each week, so you don't have to worry about the hassle!)

• Daily Story & Photo Updates:
 Peek into your child’s day with a secure app feed of snapshots, anecdotes, and learning highlights.

• Personalized Growth Newsletter:
 A monthly mini-portfolio that tracks milestones, nature discoveries, and emerging interests.

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Note: Families pack their own meals and snacks, allowing you to tailor food choices to your child’s tastes and dietary needs while we handle everything else that keeps the learning—and exploring—running smoothly.

We aren't your average home daycare. In fact, we don't plan to stay as just a daycare for long. If you read our vision, you'll understand how passionate we are about the homeschool experience. That's why we've implemented benefits that mimic a facility daycare at a home daycare price. 
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At GMC, we have a team of teachers and staff dedicated to the safety and development of our students, offering a lower than average teacher to child ratio.

Because we are a nature-based learning community, 60-70% of our days are spent outdoors and there is no screen time!

A home daycare offers an intimate and warm setting where children can learn and grow while receiving personalized care. With more affordable tuition and direct contact with daycare owners, families benefit from a convenient and nurturing environment. At Growing Minds Collective, we take these advantages even further. We built a custom, theme-based curriculum with the guidance of a Certified Curriculum Consultant to ensure engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, we utilize Procare, a parent communication platform, to streamline daycare management, making it easier for families to stay connected and organized.

We believe in hands-on learning, which is why we've built a custom thematic-based curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori. Our curriculum assures each child plays, learns, speaks and acts according to the developmental milestones identified by the State of Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood. To access a list of these milestones, click here.

The daycare runs year round with two week-long breaks; one in the summer and one in the winter. We close for all federal holidays. 

At GMC, we're passionate about education, which is why we're committed to nurturing our teachers! Our team is composed of our Director and a team of seasoned daycare educators who share our vision of enriching the homeschool journey with an engaging, theme-based curriculum. For more information about our staff, click here.

GMC offers full time & part time enrollment options for daycare. For current tuition pricing, click here.

Nap time or Quiet time occurs daily right after lunch for full-day students. We understand that not all children nap the same, and that's perfectly okay! However, all children participate in nap time or quiet time after lunch. This is a period of rest and relaxation that allows their bodies and minds to recharge after a busy morning. Even if your child doesn't sleep, they’ll be encouraged to engage in calm, quiet activities such as reading, puzzles, or listening to soft music. This downtime helps ensure everyone is refreshed and ready for the fun-filled afternoon ahead!

All children sleep on a cot with a Growing Minds Academy fitted sheet. Parents provide a blanket, which can remain on premise and will be washed at the end of each week (unless washing is required sooner).

The room is outfitted with blackout curtains and a sound machine for soothing. 

It’s completely normal for children to need time to adjust to a new nap routine, and we create a calm, comforting environment to help them feel safe and at ease. Don’t worry—children are incredibly adaptable, and with consistency, gentle guidance, and a cozy space to rest, most little ones settle into the routine quicker than you might expect.