Dear Families,

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We’ve all heard about the importance of the first three years of life. Babies and toddlers are diligently working to master cognitive, emotional, social, language, and motor skills. Their brains are rapidly growing and forming the neural connections needed to support these new developments. Over the past 30 years of working with young children and their families, I’ve come to firmly believe that the best way to support our young children's growing brains is by including their loving caregivers in learning environments.

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This belief is at the core of our philosophy at Galoop. From a child development standpoint, there is no need to rush to place a child under the age of three into a drop-off program. On the contrary, I’ve seen firsthand how the presence of a trusted caregiver supports babies and toddlers in their exploration, learning, and socialization, allowing them to feel at ease knowing their needs are understood and being cared for. This relaxed, stress-free environment is crucial for their brain development.

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Galoop’s core Morning Program is designed for children to attend multiple days a week, giving children the precious gift of routine and predictability. Routines help children anticipate what happens next, fostering a sense of safety and security. Combining routines with familiarity – familiar places and faces that form the Galoop community – increases children's confidence to explore their environment. This holistic approach provides the perfect setting for children to develop independence, agency, and the necessary skills to explore their world and make new connections.

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Additionally, our Morning Program is designed to help children transition smoothly and successfully to preschool when the time comes. The structure and supportive environment of our program prepare children for the next step in their educational journey, ensuring they are ready and confident when they move on to preschool.

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At Galoop, we also recognize that parents and caregivers need support and connections; nurturing young children cannot happen in isolation. That’s why we’ve created a space committed to the needs of both young children and their caregivers. While our children explore, learn, and grow, adults make friends, swap parenting advice, get expert support, and enjoy a relaxing time. Our commitment to both young children and their caregivers makes Galoop a unique and nurturing community for families.

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I encourage you to read more about our program and philosophy on these pages. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

Sincerely,

 

Cecilia Matson, M.A.

Early Childhood and Parenting Expert  

Director of Galoop Children’s Program