Learning Tree Development Center
Learning Tree Development Center is licensed through the State of Minnesota to provide care for children ages 6 weeks - 6 years.
We provide Full Week, Full Day, Half Day and Hourly Care options for you to create a schedule that best meets your families needs.
Learning Tree provides a structured program within a play-based setting designed to meet the children's developmental needs. Children express their ideas and feelings through a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate curriculum which includes activities in art, music, language, math, science, writing, large motor, etc... A balance of active, quiet, individual and group activities assist the child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
The center is staffed by teachers who meet or exceed Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Family Services.
License capacity and child/staff ratios:
Infant Room: 6 weeks - 15 months:
Licensed for 8 children with a 1:4 ratio
Toddler Room: 16 months - 33 months:
Licensed for 10 children with a 1:7 ratio
Preschool Room: 34 months - 5 years:
Licensed for 20 children with a 1:10 ratio
Mission:
The mission of all Learning Tree employees and volunteers is to provide quality child care to all children and their families, regardless of race, creed or color. We do this by providing a safe and caring environment with a developmentally appropriate curriculum that creates a balance between thriving independently and being carefully guided in ways that promote a positive learning experience. We maintain continuity of care, respect and empowerment to families and children by respecting each family's individual values, cultures and differences.
Program Goals:
At Learning Tree, our belief is that your child learns by doing and by experiencing. Children can do this by having the environmental freedom of guided choice, free choice and exploration. Our teaching staff facilitates positive experiences by structuring the environment in a way that promotes guidance and age appropriate behaviors. The opportunities for social interaction, intellectual growth and emotional expression are at the forefront of our thought process when scheduling weekly lesson plans, daily activities and while developing curriculum.
Our program is designed to maximize each child’s individual development. With this in mind, our activities focus on the actual process of learning. Our emphasis is on the experience that the child is having while the activity is taking place. This approach lends focus to the learning experience of activities rather than what the result may or should be. We know that children gain so much knowledge through processes and procedures. For example: The process of painting during a project is more important than what has been painted. Learning to build with blocks is more important than what is being built. Of course, as children grow, develop and change; the end goals become more important, valuable and lead to their growth. We acknowledge however, that the result becomes important as children develop. We’re also here for that stage and are prepared to help foster these new experiences as well.
Below is an outline that lists the broad goals and responsibilities of our teaching staff and of what is implemented daily through curriculum and developmentally appropriate experiences. Our goals include:
-Respecting individual and cultural differences though discussion and by modeling appropriate behaviors
-Helping each child to understand that not only do they have feelings and the right to feel that way, but that every person including parents, teachers and friends also have feelings and that it’s important to respect every person’s right to their feelings.
-We promote and encourage each child to build trust in people outside of their familial environment. We do this by letting the children know and by showing them that they can count on us to be here to support them.
-Our early learning environment encourages the lifelong skill of independence. Every child is encouraged to live up to their own personal and age appropriate level of self-reliant skill set.
-We recognize that a child initiating self-play is a primary means of cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. We will always encourage each child to do so in a way that promotes their overall growth.
-Enhancing a child’s self-esteem, self-worth, self-awareness and self-confidence is at the heart of the learning and thriving experience. We will always create an environment that runs parallel to these goals and support a curriculum plan that helps every child to successfully achieve these important lifelong insights.
-Every child will be provided age and developmental opportunities to engage in math, science, reading, memory skills, language development and cordial science.
-LTDC teaching staff will provide opportunities for children to be able to foster creativity and self-expression through the outlets of art, music and dramatic play activities.
Daily Communications:
Parents/Guardians of all children have access to Brightwheel, an App based program which will let you know how your child is doing during the day. In our Infant Classroom, you will be notified of Diaper Changes, Bottles/Feedings, Naps and general mood during the day. In the Toddler Room, you are notified of Diaper Changes, Meals, Nap and general mood of the day. Preschool families will be notified of any meals, rest time and if still in diapers, those changes as well. Additionally, staff will post photos. Brightwheel information will include insights to your child’s day including but not limited to diapering, sleeping, eating and general behavior. Along with the Brightwheel app, staff will have face to face communication with parents at drop off/pick up.
Hours of Operation:
Learning Tree is open Year Round Monday - Friday between 7:30-4:30. Please see the Yearly Calendar for our scheduled days closed.