Our Story
Rooted in care. Growing with purpose.
Growing Minds Collective is led by Jamie Torns, Founder & Director, and a mother of two, who brings both a personal and professional commitment to reimagining early childhood education. What began as a small, home-based program has evolved into a thoughtfully designed, woman-led collective grounded in connection, intention, and high-quality learning experiences.
At Growing Minds Collective, we move beyond traditional models of childcare by offering a private early childhood education program that blends the warmth of a home environment with the structure and standards of a premier learning setting. Our approach creates a natural, supportive transition from home into a community where children feel safe, seen, and empowered to grow.
Our team of experienced educators leads the day-to-day experience with care, professionalism, and a deep understanding of child development. With a low 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio and a mixed-age learning environment, we are able to provide individualized attention, foster meaningful relationships, and support each child’s unique pace of development.
At its core, Growing Minds Collective is built on the belief that early learning should be intentional, relationship-driven, and rooted in joy — giving every child the foundation to flourish.
Miranda Connolly | Lead Teacher
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Experience:
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5+ years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education
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12+ years of experience, including volunteering, across 4 different childcare settings
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Bachelor's in English with a minor in Sociology
Role at Growing Minds Collective:
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Create a curriculum that meets the childrens' developmental milestones and interests in a mixed-age setting
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Encourage self-expression in the students through music, words, and physical movement
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Dedicated to nurturing a loving, attentive, and enriching learning environment for children
Brianna Elvir | Assistant Teacher
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Experience:
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Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in immigration law
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Lifelong experience caring for children within a large family environment
Role at Growing Minds Collective:
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Brings a strong sense of responsibility, structure, and attentiveness to the classroom
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Supports a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children to learn and grow
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Leverages her natural ability to connect with children to foster confidence and a sense of belonging
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is inspired by the work of Howard Gardner and his Theory of Multiple Intelligences, which recognizes that children learn and express understanding in many different ways.
We intentionally create opportunities for children to explore and develop through a variety of strengths—whether through language, movement, problem-solving, creativity, social interaction, or connection to the natural world. This approach allows each child to build confidence in how they learn best while developing a well-rounded set of skills.
At Growing Minds Collective, learning is never accidental. Every experience is designed with purpose—to spark curiosity, encourage independence, and support both academic and social-emotional development. We balance structure with child-led exploration, allowing children to take an active role in their learning journey.
ADDRESS
2 Rampart Road
Norwalk, CT 06854
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed for:
Federal Holidays
Summer Break (1st week in August)
Winter Break (Christmas to New Year's Day)
CONTACT
(203) 658-7309