Our Philosophy

Our qualified staff is dedicated to providing academic and emotional support to children of all abilities, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and family structures. Beginning at birth, children have the capacity to engage in and respond to "special moments" with supportive and nurturing caregivers.  Our goal is to provide all age groups with various learning opportunities that will benefit the child, family, and community.

History

Creative Learning Preschool and Childcare Center  was originally called Tiny Tots, and was formed in 1969.  It was a program run by the YWCA of the Hartford Region, Inc. through their West Hartford office at the Young Center.  It was basically an Arts and Crafts program with mothers joining for exercises.  The next year it went from two to three days per week.  Mothers started to help and exercises were dropped.  Each year the program grew and developed under the guidance of Barbara Swanson.  In 1975, the school became licensed by the State of Connecticut and the  name of the school became the YWCA Creative Learning Preschool.  Barbara became Director/Teacher and was on the professional staff of the YWCA.  With the closing of the YWCA branch in Simsbury, Barbara ran the preschool independently.  In January of 1979, the preschool was relicensed and renamed Creative Learning Preschool of Granby, Inc.  The preschool relocated to the South Congregational Church in the Parish House.  In 1994, Creative Learning Preschool was accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.  In 2003, Creative Learning Preschool moved to our current location and purchased Church Corner.  With the additional space Creative Learning Preschool became Creative Learning Preschool and Childcare Center. 

June 8th, 2007, Barbara Swanson retired and her son Jeff Swanson became the new owner.  We are very excited to continue our long history of offering a second home to the children of Granby and its surrounding towns for many years to come.  

Who We Are

Jeff Swanson, Owner: Jeff is a Granby Bear at heart, growing up in Granby and enjoying his childhood while watching and many times helping his mother take care of the children of Granby and the surrounding towns with their needs for care and education.  Jeff spent many summers working at the Granby Parks and Recreation Department as a Sports Camp Counselor, Lifeguard and Director.   It was because of this passion for children and people that he decided to go to Springfield College to study Health & Fitness and continue to help others.  Today, besides being the owner of CLP, Jeff is the Associate Executive Director at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton, MA.  Jeff’s newest offering is Wellness Coaching for people looki ng to create a healthier lifestyle.

During the evenings, Jeff and his wife, Michelle are newly empty nesters.  Their daughter, Meaghan, is a Junior at WNE and their son, Zachary, is a Freshman at UNE.  Jeff is on the Recreational Needs Committee in his home town of Southampton, MA and hopes to offer to his new community the same services that everyone in Granby has grown accustom too.  Jeff is the President of Baseball in Southampton and has continued his passion for the game as a Coach.   

As the Owner of Creative Learning Preschool and Child Care Center it is his goal to continue the family tradition of offering the families of Granby and the surrounding towns a comfortable, safe learning environment that you would consider a second home for your child.  We take great pride in creating a family environment while maintaining a high standard of creative learning for your child.  If you have any questions or comments, Jeff can be reached at jeffrey.swanson@creativelearninginc.com. 

Jodi Angers, Director:  Jodi has  been educating young children in many different capacities. Before joining Creative Learning Preschool, she was a Prekindergarten and Nursery School Teacher for a decade along with holding he position as School Administrator at The Burlington Academy of Learning.  Along with that experience, Jodi's other teaching experiences include educating first and third grade students, assisting children with special needs and managing a youth center at a health facility.

Jodi's educational background consists of a Bachelor’s degree in Child Study with a focus in Early Childhood Education and an Associate’s degree in Executive Business Administration. She is continuing her education as she works towards obtaining the Connecticut Director’s Credential.

On a personal note, Jodi and her husband, Glen, have been married for 17 years.  They reside in Burlington with their three beautiful children; Connor (14), Courtney (12) and Caitlin (10). As a family, they enjoy soccer and can be found at a soccer field in the evenings or on the weekend as their three children are involved with travel and premier soccer programs. 

Please contact Jodi with your child care needs.

 OUR STAFF

Our staff is loving, experienced and dedicated to providing the best care for the children. All of our staff members are certified in CPR, First Aid, Epi-Pen and Medications.  All staff participate in ongoing training and continuing education throughout the year in many Early Childhood topics.