Our Principles
At Willow Blossom Learning Center we believe that children will learn at their own pace and in their own way when given the opportunity and freedom to do so. Caring and resourceful adults - parents, families, and teachers - need to work together to nourish children's developing image of themselves as strong, compassionate people.
We believe that teachers' work should be in the spirit of partnership and creative participation to give children consistent, reliable support.
An environment of trust allows for a respectful interchange of information and feelings. Teachers help foster this sense of security as children learn to share with each other as individuals and as members of a group.
Together at our Center we encourage children to cooperate, not compete; to communicate differences, not commit violence; and to welcome the different but equally valuable gifts each person brings to the world.
We greatly believe in Parent/Guardian participation. It reinforces children's ability to see the Center as part of their lives. Through communicating with teachers, participating in projects and programs, and serving on the Board of Directors - family involvement helps make the Center a lively and inviting community.
The Center environment is designed to actively promote the cognitive, creative, emotional, and physical development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
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About us
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your COVID-19 measures?
We will expect families and staff to follow the CDC guidelines. We will meet The Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) requirements for care. As well as receive guidance from the Leverett board of health in the incidences of positive COVID-19 tests within our childcare community. Covid-19 measures include sanitizing all surfaces and materials as needed.
How much time will be spent outside?
Both groups will spend as much time outside as possible every day.
What are your current rates?
Our current rates are posted on our Enrollment tab above.
What are your hours of care?
Preschool and Toddler Full Day 8:00 to 5:00; Half Day Preschool and Toddler 8:00 to 12:30; Infant Full day 8:30 to 4:30; Half Day Infant 8:30 to 12:30
What will the class size be?
Preschool enrolls up to 17 per day, and Infant/Toddler enrolls up to 9.
What is the educator/student ratio?
We follow Mass EEC regulations and are always within legal ratio, however we aim for Infant/Toddler 1:4, Preschool 1:5
What are your teacher qualifications?
All of our teachers are EEC certified. Assistants meet the EEC hiring requirements for their position. All staff have a BRC on file.
What will nap time look like?
Preschool nap time: 1:30 to 3:00 Preschoolers will be expected to rest for 45 minutes with quiet activities offered to those who do not sleep during nap time.
Toddler nap time: 1:00 to 3:00
Infants: we will follow each infant’s daily routines to the best of our ability, providing times for infants to sleep as needed.
What are your policies around potty training?
We do not require any child to be fully potty trained in either classroom. However, we encourage preschool parents to be actively involved in potty training their child prior to entering preschool.
We will follow each toddlers’ current daily potty-training routines to the best of our ability.
We have scheduled diapering/potty times built into the daily routine and will support each child’s developmental process when it comes to using the toilet. We have child sized toilets in each classroom bathroom, and a potty seat in both groups that goes on the toilet for children not comfortable sitting directly on the toilet yet.
School Closures
We are closed for most major holidays, two processional development days, and a few additional flex days. Please find our Closure Calendar under the events tab above.
Snow/Weather Closures do not follow any one town or school, as we have families from all over the area. The Director will make a decision each morning if it is safe for the center to be open. If weather is getting bad during the day, there may also be an early closure. Families will be notified by email in the event of a closure.
SUMMER FAQs
Will there be nap time?
While our summer program will not have nap time, there will be quiet activity time scheduled into our afternoon.
What happens in inclement weather?
Our summer program is outside as much as possible. This includes meal times and quiet time. If the weather is too dangerous to be outside then the group will move into the classroom
Bathrooms?
Our Summer Program group will use the Preschool Class bathrooms!
Weekly Themes:
Weekly themes help guide the activities planned each week, but will not be the only things offered.
We feel
incredibly fortunate to have our son at WBLC! After struggling at other daycares, finding WBLC has been a truly transformative experience for him. The teachers and director bring such positive energy, and their dedication is evident in everything they do. He adores them and loves the creative activities they offer! It's such a relief knowing he's happy and well-cared-for throughout the day. We're so grateful for the peace of mind WBLC has given us.
Ayla, Infant/Toddler parent
Our family is so grateful to have discovered Willow Blossom - the perfect blend of play, imagination, early education, and outdoors. We love the teachers and how our child comes home having learned new life lessons and skills!
Camille, Preschool Parent
My daughter and I absolutely love HFCDC! My little one will be graduating from infant to toddler officially tomorrow. She was the first infant there, and I feel lucky to have found this special place for her. She is thriving there, making real friends, is super happy, and so well cared for. Its only 3 miles to my parking spot at UMass where I work.
Amanda, toddler parent
"My son had four wonderful years at Hampshire-Franklin. It is hard to overstate how important the Center was to our family. Not only do I feel that our son received an excellent foundation of early education, but I know he had exceptional care while there. The teachers are great! I enjoyed being on the Board too - it really made me feel connected to the Center and understand how a non-profit child care facility operates."
Melissa, preschooler parent
"The teachers and assistants at HFCDC are excellent and create a wonderful nurturing and learning environment. My son has done really well here.
I love that there are children from different countries and that my son experiences various cultures every day.
My son has made many great friends at HFCDC. He talks about them constantly when he's not at daycare and he can't wait to see them again each day."
Tracy, toddler parent