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. Parents will be required to fill out daily attestation forms and children will not be allowed to attend if they meet any of the covid-19 reasons for exclusion.
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 here on our website:
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 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 a potty seat in both groups that goes on the toilet for children not comfortable sitting directly on the toilet yet.
School Closures
We have 14 regular closure days, and typically are closed the last week in December.
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.
"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
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
I feel so lucky to have a daycare that I completely trust and love. I know my four month-old is taken care of by people who genuinely care and enjoy her and that means so much to me. I was here when I was a toddler myself, so it feels good to bring my own daughter here now! Thanks Hampshire-Franklin!
Tianli, toddler parent
A fantastic preschool! The program focuses on learning through play. The outdoor space is great for kids who love to be outside. Most important, the director and teachers really love their students.
Mary, preschooler parent