Laugh & Learn: Nurturing Growth Through Play and Nature

Laugh & Learn is more than just a name; it's a philosophy that guides the approach to early childhood education and care. With a mission to enhance each child's individual development through a supportive and educationally stimulating learning environment, Laugh & Learn strives to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. This is achieved by fostering a child's natural curiosity and focusing on their unique needs, interests, and learning styles.

Core Philosophies of Laugh & Learn

At the heart of Laugh & Learn is the belief that young children learn best through play and positive interactions with peers and adults. Respect for individual differences is paramount, creating a nurturing environment where children, caregivers, and families build strong relationships. The program emphasizes a positive and stimulating atmosphere that encourages excitement in learning and discovery, celebrating the unique qualities of each child.

The Importance of Play-Based Learning

Laugh & Learn embraces the understanding that play is a vital component of early development. The State of Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines (3-5) support this approach, acknowledging that play, combined with adult guidance and support, promotes the holistic development of the child. Through play, children explore and apply new skills in engaging and satisfying ways, stimulating their senses and encouraging the use of both small and large muscles.

This play-based approach allows children to make sense of the world around them, building the foundations necessary to become capable, enthusiastic learners, and responsible, healthy adults. By providing a content-rich environment, Laugh & Learn fosters social and motor skills development, while also igniting a child's natural drive to understand their place in the world.

Connecting with Nature

Recognizing the profound impact of nature on child development, Laugh & Learn integrates outdoor experiences into its program. Research indicates that children who spend time in nature are healthier, exhibit improved cognitive function, have better attention spans, and are more resilient to stress.

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Laugh & Learn preschoolers engage their senses in a safe and nurturing outdoor environment almost every day. These experiences stimulate curiosity and interest in the world, fostering intellectual growth and a desire for deeper understanding. Even when weather restricts outdoor play, children participate in active play in the gymnasium, ensuring they have ample opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

The program recognizes that interactions with the natural world allow for the development of a lifetime of skills.

Programs Offered

Laugh & Learn provides a range of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of families:

Preschool Program (Ages 3-5): This program focuses on kindergarten readiness while inspiring a love for nature. The curriculum combines traditional learning with age-appropriate educational activities that emphasize literacy and numeracy, teaching children about the natural world, health and wellness, and the importance of outdoor activities.
Before and After School Program: This program provides high-quality early childhood learning that complements the school day. It offers a structured yet creative environment with age-appropriate activities that focus on nature, exercise, physical fitness, health, wellness, nutrition, and outdoor exploration. Children have opportunities for creative projects, outdoor play (weather permitting), homework assistance, and a provided snack.
Sea Stars Preschool (ages 3-5): Led by Wendy Cooper and Liza Waterman.
Little Urchins Preschool ( ages 1-3): Led by Ashlynn Ames, Sarah Fris, and Theo Smith-Miller.
After Care Staff: Ashlynn Ames, Sarah Fris, and Theo Smith-Miller.

Staff and Leadership

Laugh & Learn is led by a dedicated team of educators committed to providing a nurturing and enriching experience for every child. The staff includes:

Preschool Director: Eva Lowerre

Creating a Safe and Encouraging Environment

Laugh & Learn strives to create a learning environment that is safe, stimulating, and encouraging. They believe that children are born to laugh and learn, and that each child is unique and capable of learning. The preschool program provides activities and settings that recognize children's individual needs, interests, and learning styles.

A Focus on Social-Emotional Development

Laugh & Learn understands the importance of social-emotional development in early childhood. They believe that helping children develop a positive self-image and become socially competent is the best foundation for their future. The program provides ample opportunities for children to play, practice social skills, and gain self-confidence and self-esteem in a safe environment.

Licensed and Accredited

Laugh & Learn Daycare is a Licensed Child Care Center Program with a quality rating of 5 stars. The program is monitored by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and adheres to strict standards for background checks, building inspections, and basic training.

Financial Assistance

Laugh & Learn Daycare accepts financial assistance, making its programs accessible to a wider range of families.

A Welcoming Community

Laugh & Learn Childcare aims to offer a secure, safe, and modern childcare experience at all times. They strive to provide an excellent, low-cost learning environment to develop and nurture the skills necessary for optimal early childhood development. Their programs cater to the uniqueness of every child, aiming to provide a multicultural environment where every child is free to contribute and benefit from one another. They are committed to creating a community where each child will be provided with the foundation to foster their physical, social, emotional, and mental growth.

Registration Information

Registration is open for the '25 - '26 Preschool and Before & After Care programs. There is a non-refundable annual registration fee of $50 due for each child registered with the program.

Join the Laugh & Learn Family

Laugh & Learn invites families to join their community online and be a part of their everyday moments. The program is also looking for caring, smart, and fun teachers to join their team.

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