Who We Are
Our Teaching Philosophy
We are inspired by the Reggio Amelia approach where children are encouraged to share their ideas, collaborate as a group, work together, and find answers through discovery and creative thinking. We embrace an emergent curriculum, where children lead their learning. We follow their interests and provide opportunities and materials for them to discover, investigate, and question in a safe, inquisitive environment. We believe that it is our job as teachers to teach children the ability to learn, rather than a specific lesson, to aid them in becoming life long learners. Children who develop a love for learning will continue to learn, with or without us.
Our goal is for children to become independent and enjoy the science of asking questions, researching, experimenting, and discovering so that they carry the ability and desire to continue learning throughout their entire lives. Our lessons are project based and their purposes' are not about the final product, rather about the process and collaboration. The goal of these lessons are to inspire creative thinkers and problem solvers, to allow children to use all their senses to develop new skills, and to work together to support healthy communication skills. We believe all of these ideas, concepts, beliefs, and actions are building foundations for emotional and social health, cognitive development, and independent skills that will help children thrive throughout their lives.
Our Team
Alicia Perra
Owner, Director
Years of Experience: 16
Degree: Bachelors Degree - Keene State College
Major in Early Childhood Education
Minor in Child Psychology
Alicia has provided services in a variety of settings as a caregiver, teacher, and director. With a soft and welcoming approach to teaching, she encourages creativity and independence.
Nicholas Perra
Associate Teacher, Business Manager
Years of Experience: 2
Degree: Childcare Development Accreditation
After nine years in Supply Chain, Marketing, & Sales, Nick became a parent and felt the increasing demand for childcare in Cheshire County. It quickly became his passion to address this fundamental need for not only his own family, but for other families in need. He drew this passion from Alicia and from his children Jackson and Hailey. He decided to dedicate his energy to growing high quality social and emotional childcare in our community.
Alicia Rajaniemi
Lead Teacher
Years of Experience: 4
Degree:
As a calming and serene teacher of infants and toddlers, Alicia has a passion to support social and emotional development of young minds. She has previously taught in nature-based programs and is able to share an organic lens to the world around us.
Eloise Cadmus
Associate Teacher
Years of Experience: 5
Degree:
Eloise cared for infants and toddlers in New York before moving back to Keene in 2023. Her glowing personality very quickly captivated our preschoolers. She plans lesons that are packed full of fun and hold the children's attention while teaching them valuable life skills.
Our Locations
Sapling Acres - Keene
90 Base Hill Rd, Keene, NH 03431
Located conveniently on Base Hill Road in Keene, we have two beautifully unique classrooms with open ended, age appropriate materials. We are Pyramid model integrated with fantastic social and emotional development queues displayed to support children throughout their daily activities. Each room is inspired by the children in it and focuses on their fundamental needs and interests. Outside we have a large play area with materials for building, digging, climbing, and sliding. We often explore beyond this space as well in pursuit of discovery in the nearby pond and forest!
Daily Routine
7:45 am - 8:45 am Drop Off
7:45 am - 9:00 am Discovery Play
9:00 am - 9:15 am Morning Collaboration
9:15 am - 9:30am Snack
9:30am - 11:30 am Outdoor Exploration
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch and Books
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Rest Time and Quiet Activities
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Snack
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Discovery Play
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Pick Up
*Infants follow their own routines