CN, age 4
"I love Turtle Island. Turtle Island is alive"
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WELCOME TO TURTLE ISLAND CHILDREN'S CENTER
Open 8-3:30 Monday through Friday
ABOUT TURTLE ISLAND CHILDREN'S CENTER
Turtle Island is a full-day early care and learning center for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in central Vermont.
The school was established in the fall of 1982 by Meg Baird and a group of parents and educators interested in creating an early education program where children’s interests and needs would drive the curriculum. The center originated in Meg’s home, providing preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds and an after-school program. In February 1983, the program moved to Woodrow Avenue and added a Kindergarten program. In 1986, another expansion brought infants and toddlers. Turtle Island took up residence in the current location at 659 Elm Street in 1990. Turtle Island was reincorporated in 1998 as a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation. In the fall of 2003, Turtle Island purchased the house and land next door at 661 Elm Street. The school sits on nearly 3 acres of land and is situated between the Hubbard Park Trails and the North Branch Nature Center Trails.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
VISION STATEMENT
The vision of Turtle Island Children’s Center is to provide high-quality care and education for young children. We respect children as citizens of today, and provide them with opportunities to strengthen and develop their sense of self to grow into collaborative problem solvers and active citizens of the world. Turtle Island works to meet the needs of Vermont families through providing financially accessible care from highly qualified, equitably compensated, educators.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to foster and sustain a thriving community of care and education while elevating the voices of children and early childhood educators. This is a respectful partnership between children, teachers, families, the larger community and the Earth.
PHILOSOPHY
TICC recognizes children are competent, capable, theory builders and participants in their own learning. Our program provides a creative and engaging environment for children between six weeks and five years of age supporting each child’s growth, development and sense of belonging in our community.