There has always been a great need for quality child development programs where parents can feel comfortable leaving their children while they attend to the other necessities of life. This was the motivating factor for Nadine and Doris Lipska when they founded the Center in 1987. Under a new generation of leadership, we remain committed to following thw same developmental, child centered activities considered best practice by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and to making a positive difference in the lives we touch, children, parents and each other.
In today's fact paced society it is critical to let young children develop at their own pace. They need to have experiences appropriate to both their physical and developmental age. Experiences that provide both strong foundations and a joy for future learning. No study has ever found long term benefits to "push down curriculums that are preparing the child for the next step".
Our Philosophy
We believe that each child has the right to grow toward feelings of competence and positive self-esteem. Once a child's self-image is intact, s/he will be ready and able to have a sound foundation for further learning and more importantly , a happy life.
The whole child must be nurtured through activities, materials and equipment that promotes physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth. Children grow and learn best in an environment which allows them to self-select activities based on their interests and developmental levels. Children are most able learners when they are encouraged to explore, experience and experiment with materials and equipment, both indoors and outdoors, facilitating the understanding of themselves, their world and others in their world.
The atmosphere of the Center makes learning, trying out new things and reaching toward individual potential safe and pleasant. Each child is enabled to work toward the feelings"
I am Competent...
I am Worthwhile...I can do &
I am willing to try!
From The Director
With more than 25 years of experience, I am here to help assess your child's readiness for preschool and ease their and your entrance into unfamiliar territory. I feel it is most important for parents to feel comfortable with their choice of caregivers, then the child will be also be able to be comfortable.
Preschool provides important benefits that can be seen not only in Kindergarten, but throughout life. We have the knowledge and experience to help make the most of these years for your young child and you.
We have deliberately chosen a size that allows us to be open year round, excepting major holidays, enjoy a wonderful, school setting and yet remain small enough for all staff to personally know each family. While we keep a daily schedule, making the children comfortable in the routine, we are able to build on individual interests. The environment is comfortable and child centered. We have many resources we can cycle through the rooms. We are all focused on one of the most important jobs: helping grow your children into successful adults.
Staff Experience
We consider our staff to be Child Development Professionals. We all meet the requirements of California State Dept. of Social Services Title 22 Regulations. The Director holds a Bachelors of Science in Child Development and each of the teachers far exceeds the states requirements of 12 units of Early Childhood Education. Beyond being well educated, they are experienced in the field, many of those years spent here, at Growing Tree
Not only do children at Growing Tree experience consistency of care, returning families are pleased with the consistency. We feel that the longevity of our staff is one of our main strengths.