Frequently Asked Questions

We are open from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday.

We accept children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years old.

At Growing Tree, our teacher-to-student ratios are never higher than 4:1 for infants, 5:1 for toddlers,  7:1 for preschoolers,  and  8:1 for Pre-K. Often, our groups are even smaller, giving children more individualized attention and support throughout the day.

For children outside the infant program, we offer a convenient curbside drop-off and pick-up service. Simply pull into the Circle, and a staff member will greet your child for a warm, one-on-one hand-off to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

Parents are also welcome to walk their children in or pick them up directly from the classroom at any time if they prefer not to use curbside service.

We provide healthy snacks for children throughout the day. Families also have the option to enroll in our hot lunch program through a local deli making mealtime simple and convenient.

We have an open-door policy, welcoming parents at any time. Families are encouraged to be “mystery readers”, read a book, or share a lesson about their culture with the class. Throughout the school year, we host many events where parents, grandparents, and special guests are invited to join us, helping to foster a strong, connected school community.

We understand parents’ concerns about germs, and research shows that early, controlled exposure to common germs can help strengthen children’s immune systems. At the same time, we take cleanliness and hygiene very seriously. All toys that come in contact with a child’s mouth are immediately sanitized. Changing tables are lined with paper and cleaned with a special  solution after each use. Bottles, food, and personal items are clearly labeled and stored separately in individual baskets. We maintain separate sinks for food preparation and washing.

We also have a strict policy for infectious illnesses: children who are sick stay home to rest and recover. If we are notified of any infectious disease, the entire classroom is thoroughly disinfected and every single toy is washed. In addition, we inform parents of any exposures so they can be mindful and watch for early signs to ensure prompt treatment.

This combination of healthy exposure, rigorous cleaning, proactive illness prevention, and communication keeps our classrooms safe, healthy, and thriving.

While nannies provide convenience, our program offers a structured, enriching environment with benefits a single caregiver can’t match:

• Constant Engagement: Children are immersed in hands-on activities, songs, stories, and learning throughout the day—never placed in front of a screen.
• Uninterrupted Routines: Nap times and schedules are protected, unlike with nannies who may need to accommodate older siblings’ pickups or errands.
• Reliability: Families don’t have to worry about last-minute cancellations if a nanny is sick—we are consistently open and staffed.
• Safety & Accountability: All teachers are fingerprinted, background checked, and trained in CPR/first aid. With multiple adults present, there is built-in oversight and supervision.
• Socialization: Research shows that children in high-quality early childhood programs develop stronger language, problem-solving, and social skills than children cared for individually.¹
• Proven Outcomes: According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) study on early child care, children in quality group settings show better cognitive and language development compared to those in less structured home care.

At The Growing Tree, families describe us as “easier and more reliable than a nanny” and appreciate the balance of education, socialization, and safety that supports the best outcomes for children.

¹NICHD Early Child Care Research Network, Child Development, 2002.

The Growing Tree Nursery School has been family owned and operated since 1979. Our story began with Joanne Miller, who founded the school, and her husband who later joined her in running it. Their daughter, Dawn Friedman—our current owner—started working at the school after earning her Master’s in Education and eventually sent her own children here. Today, her grandchildren are Growing Tree students!

Simply put: we care. Unlike large chains with rotating employees and directors, our reputation and commitment to families extend for generations to come. We are not “one size fits all.” Instead, we provide individualized attention, small class sizes, parent support, and the flexibility to adapt our programs to meet the needs of families in our community.

We often get asked this question, and while we are licensed with both the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the Department of Education, we don’t like to use the word “daycare.” Daycare suggests simple babysitting or child-minding — a place where children are looked after while parents are at work.

At The Growing Tree Nursery School, we are so much more. We run as a traditional nursery school with a strong focus on early learning, social and emotional growth, and skill development. From infants through pre-kindergarten, children are guided through an age-based curriculum where they learn through play, music, art, literacy, and hands-on experiences.

We also offer what many families describe as a “one-stop shop” for enrichment — with opportunities like soccer, music, foreign language, yoga, STEM, and special programs, all built right into the school day.

Yes, we are open extended hours to support working families, but our purpose goes far beyond care. We are a true nursery school community where children are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated every single day.

Yes! Families receive a 10% discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

No, we’re not affiliated with the church. While we’re lucky to rent space inside their building, The Growing Tree is a welcoming, non-sectarian school open to all families.

Happily, many of our alumni are now our current parents! Our graduates have gone on to attend top schools and pursue successful careers, but most importantly, they carry the foundation for happy, healthy lives. Many continue to stay in touch and share updates on their journeys.