Philosophy
The Learning Garden’s focus is to maintain a healthy, safe, nurturing environment. The center was designed as a warm and home-like setting with a fun and inviting atmosphere where children can grow as individuals at their own pace. We encourage children’s independence as well as a sense of responsibility and respect towards both people and objects. We believe that it is important to foster a positive self-image and aid in cognitive, emotional, social, and physical developmental growth. Our goal is to help children gain confidence in their skills and abilities and build a love and appreciation for the outdoors and exercise with our natural playground.
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TLG’s curriculum meets Rhode Island’s Early Learning Standards while following the nationally recognized Creative Curriculum approach of learning through play. Teachers plan for and set up developmentally appropriate learning centers designed to invite exploration and discovery that meet the goals of the individuals in each classroom. This approach encourages active thinking and hands on experiences to teach kids about the world we live in and teaches them to be inquisitive learners. An important aspect of this approach is building a love of learning so that kids continue to be enthusiastic about their education in the future. Families receive a monthly newsletter with information regarding what their children will be learning at school along with ideas to enhance this learning at home.
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Each classroom has been set up to encourage a variety of experiences that keep children stimulated and engaged throughout the day. Children learn through their play, so the learning areas in the indoor and outdoor classrooms are designed to promote education in a fun way. All activities are developmentally appropriate and meet each child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. Teachers will keep families informed through our Brightwheel app, including information on the child’s health, mood, meal intake, and nap, as well as providing updates of the day's activities supported by photo and video
Ms. Raquel
Program Director
Raquel has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from URI and has worked in childcare for over 20 years. After several years in center-based settings, she was inspired to start her own daycare out of her home in Warwick, Rei of Sunshine, which operated successfully and at full capacity for over four years. With this success, Raquel had a new goal of reaching more children on a larger scale. She wanted to start a center where kids could grow and learn in a safe, clean, nurturing environment that had all the comforts of home but with the structure of a school and was inspired by nature. She partnered up with her sister, Carla, to create The Learning Garden and together they are committed to providing quality care to every child enrolled in their program. Raquel lives in Warwick Neck with her husband and 3 young sons, Lucas, Leo, and Levi.
Ms. Taylor
Assistant Program Director
Ms. Taylor has been working at The Learning Garden since January of 2018, and has worked with young children for over 5 years. She recently completed her Degree in Early Childhood Education and has coursework in The Rhode Island Early Learning And Developmental Standards, Positive Discipline, Handling Bullying In Early Childhood Education, Teaching Social-Emotional Skills To Students With Challenging Behaviors, Improving Relationships With Students, and Conducting Assessments In Early Childhood Education!
Ms. Brittany
Head Teacher
Brittany is a recent graduate of Bridgewater State University where she earned her Bachelors in Psychology along with several awards and honors during her time there. She also comes to us as a Licensed Preschool Teacher through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care with 6.5+ years of experience working with 3-5 year olds under her belt. When she's not teaching, she loves to craft and spend time with her family and dog. We're excited for her to bring her talents in child care to our school.!