Daughters Of Our Lady

Gianelli's Early Learning Center, founded in 1972, is a premier early childhood education institution, committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to grow and thrive. Our mission is rooted in the educational spirit of St. Anthony Gianelli, and our commitment is to create lifelong learners and nurture spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in a caring and safe environment.

Our Philosophy

At Gianelli's Early Learning Center, we believe that respect for God, others, and self contributes to a family-like atmosphere. We are committed to partnering with parents in the formation of their children, and our staff is dedicated to the total well-being of our young charges. We recognize the importance of play-based learning, social-emotional development, and hands-on experiences in shaping the minds and hearts of our children.

Our Programs

We offer a range of programs designed for children aged 2 to 5 years old. Our Tiny Treasures program is a Montessori-inspired learning environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and self-discovery. Our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of each child, and our experienced teachers and staff are trained in the art of teaching young children.

Our Community

Our community is comprised of dedicated sisters, staff, and volunteers who share a common goal: to create a warm and welcoming environment that fosters growth, learning, and development. We are proud to be part of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden, a global congregation that has been serving the world since 1829.

Our Story

Our story began in 1972 when the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden purchased property in Middletown, Connecticut, with the intention of establishing a home base in the general area of their first American missions. Over the years, we have grown and evolved, but our commitment to providing quality early childhood education in the Catholic tradition has remained unwavering. Today, we serve over 4,500 children and families, and we continue to build strong relationships with our local community.

Our Staff

Our staff is a diverse group of dedicated professionals who are committed to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for our children. Our sisters and staff are trained in the VIRTUS Protecting God's Children program to ensure a safe and secure environment for all children.

Our Montessori Philosophy

While we are not a Montessori school in the strictest sense, we have built upon the philosophy of Maria Montessori, a renowned Italian educator and humanitarian. Our approach is rooted in Montessori's emphasis on self-directed learning, hands-on experiences, and individualized instruction.

Core Beliefs

Our core beliefs are rooted in the Montessori philosophy and the ideals of St. Anthony Gianelli:

• Respect for the child and their unique learning style
• Emphasis on self-directed learning and exploration
• Encouragement of independence and autonomy
• Fostering of curiosity and creativity
• Providing a supportive and nurturing environment
• Collaboration with parents and families

Conclusion

At Gianelli's Early Learning Center, we are dedicated to providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment that fosters growth, learning, and development in young children. We invite you to explore our programs, meet our staff, and learn more about our philosophy and approach to early childhood education.