Growing Minds Collective

Where Play Meets Nature, and Young Minds Grow Wildly Curious

A nature-based, mixed-age licensed home daycare inspired by Reggio Emilia in the Brookside Neighborhood of Norwalk, CT, providing play-based learning for children 12 months to 5 years old.

Ready for a program where muddy boots are badges of honor?
Schedule a tour and see play-based, nature-rich learning in action. Spaces are limited to keep ratios low and curiosity high.

We collaborate with trusted, state-approved specialists to ensure every child’s growth is nurtured through our play-based, nature-rich approach. Each month you’ll receive a personalized newsletter that captures your child’s forest discoveries, mud-kitchen milestones, and the developmental strides they’re making while learning through play at Growing Minds Collective.

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In nature

With a 1:4 ratio, a devoted teaching team, and a thoughtfully structured program, Growing Minds Collective goes beyond a traditional home daycare—our play-based curriculum keeps children outdoors 60–70% every day - rain, snow, or shine!

Through play

Children learn best when doing, not just listening. Our curriculum turns every discovery—balancing on a log, building a stick fort, watching ants carry crumbs—into a spark for language, math, and problem-solving.

As a whole

Every day we spark growth by turning natural curiosities into learning adventures. Blending guided provocations with open-ended play, we give young minds room to explore, experiment, and flourish.

The Classroom

Our program is rooted in play-based learning, with a strong focus on fostering independence through a balanced mix of structured activities and unstructured play. Our curriculum is built on the importance of learning life skills outside of the classroom blending guided learning with open-ended exploration. In our warm, home-based environment, children are encouraged to grow, discover, and thrive at their own pace.

Daily Rhythm

7:30 - 8:00 AM

8:00 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 9:30 AM
9:30 - 11:15 AM
11:15 - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 2:30 PM

2:30 - 3:00 PM
3:00 - 5:00 PM

5:00 - 5:30 PM

Early Care (if requested)

Drop off, Breakfast & Exploratory Play
Unstructured Play & Morning Meeting
Structured Outdoor Play & Craft
Lunch Time

Nap/Quiet Time
Snack & Structured Activity
Unstructured Outdoor Play & Pickup

Late Care (if requested)

Our Space

Nestled in the peaceful Brookside neighborhood of Norwalk, Growing Minds Collective now operates from a thoughtfully designed space that reflects our child-centered philosophy. Our new location features bright, spacious rooms that invite creativity, exploration, and connection. With dedicated areas for play, learning, rest, and movement, children can engage in a variety of experiences throughout their day.

Outdoors, a fully fenced yard wraps around the front, back, and sides of the property—creating a safe, natural environment for sensory play, gross motor development, and endless discovery. At Growing Minds Collective, every corner is intentionally crafted to support joyful learning and whole-child growth.