The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place (TCP) has been Concord, New Hampshire area’s premiere childcare and parent education center for over 45 years.
We help your child flourish during the crucial early years of development through play-based learning and holistic support for parents and families.
Early childhood experiences have a profound and lasting impact. The staff at The Children’s Place is committed to helping your child get a great start through a warm and welcoming environment, enriching play, quality caregiving, individualized attention, and support for the whole family. When your child is enrolled at The Children’s Place, they are treated, valued, and seen as the whole, unique person that they are.
We are proud to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), an independent, not-for-profit, child- and family-service and behavioral healthcare accrediting organization.
The Children’s Place is located at 27 Burns Avenue in Concord, N.H.
Eligibility
18 months – 5 years
Region
Merrimack County
Why Come to the Children's Place
Play-Based Learning
We emphasize play and open-ended learning, creative expression, and a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities. Children engage in play-based learning to act out real-life events, such as caring for baby dolls to learn to nurture. A play kitchen, veterinary center, obstacle course, sensory room, and reading area foster imagination and learning.
Emergent curriculum – which combines the spontaneity of daily life, child interests, and home cultures with specific lesson plans – complements play-based learning. Guided learning through play and teacher-directed learning takes place through a range of activities, from make-believe and dress-up, to painting and singing.
“Before my children were enrolled at TCP, they were pretty shy, and they have since really opened up and LOVE going to school and being with their friends! Thank you again for all that you do to make the preschool experience fun and meaningful for my children.”
Consistent Caregiving
Consistent caregiving helps children feel secure and attached. Studies have shown that maintaining attachment is critical to a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional health now and in the future. At The Children’s Place, children stay with the same teachers for more than a year to maintain the consistency that young children need, while allowing our teachers to really get to know each child. Emergent curriculum – which combines the spontaneity of daily life, child interests, and home cultures with specific lesson plans – complements play-based learning. Guided learning through play and teacher-directed learning takes place through a range of activities, from make-believe and dress-up, to painting and singing.
“The staff is amazing! They help my son feel comfortable with adults other than his immediate family, teach him coping skills and how to express his feelings, and show him how to interact with other children and adults through play.”
Freedom to Explore Interests
Children develop a love for learning and independence when they have the freedom to explore their interests. Our teachers get to know each child and set up activities and materials to nurture their natural curiosity.
When specific topics are part of the curriculum, deep exploration and critical thinking is encouraged. The timeframe of a project depends upon the direction of both the children and the curriculum. For example, an exploration may begin with “underwater” and progress to sea creatures, treasures, and maps before it is completed. Topic areas range from the natural world to jobs, music, and more.
“Our daughter did not speak English, but at TCP she began to count in English, sing songs, learned the alphabet, and much more. Our daughter has made a lot of friends and looks forward to meeting with them, as well as with your attentive and responsive employees.”
Simulating a Child’s Natural Environment
The transition from home to school can be quite jarring for a young child. We make the shift as seamless as possible by providing a comfortable, friendly, home-like atmosphere so children feel relaxed and ready to learn. When children enter the doors of The Children’s Place, they are surrounded by soothing blue walls, soft textures, stuffed animals, art to spark creativity, and books to inspire curiosity. Our happy, homey, and welcoming environment helps young children look forward to going to school every day.
Caring for the Whole Family
Child-rearing is never easy, particularly if parents are juggling full-time work as well. We are here to help. Special events provide opportunities for children and their families to play, relax, and connect to build a supportive community.
Regular services include nutritious daily meals for children and free diapers and wipes for eligible families. Parents of our 3-5-year-old students may extend the day program from 8:30-5:00 pm for just $25 more per week. We also offer a family library filled with parenting resources that may be checked out at no charge.
“Choosing TCP has been one of the best decisions we have made for our daughter. The teachers there are amazing! They support the children and engage with them in ways that help their minds grow in the best way.”
Services
- Daycare/pre-school
- Extended day options
- Special family engagement events
- Play-based learning
- Nutritious daily meals
- Family resources
- Free diapers and wipes
Impact statistics
Achieved the Council on Accreditation Distinction in 2022
Given Family Resource Center Quality Recognition in 2023
Awarded Granite Steps for Quality Step 2 for the State of NH
Program Director
Kelly Bozetarnik
Director
“If we experienced life through the eyes of a child, everything would be magical and extraordinary. Let our curiosity, adventure, and wonder of life never end.” – Akiane Kramarik
This is one of my favorite quotes and guides my teaching philosophy as an early childhood educator. Teaching children to be kind, compassionate humans who are lifelong learners brings me tremendous joy! I truly feel like the luckiest person to have an incredible team of teachers by my side who share similar values and commitment to create a healthy environment and positive guidance for all children and families.
I have worked with children for more than 20 years, beginning even before I went to college. I grew up in New Hampshire and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in elementary education. I lived and taught in San Diego, California for 12 years before returning to my home state. I love creating a warm, welcoming environment that nurtures children and am passionate about building positive relationships that can foster development and growth. My love for children has only grown through my experiences!
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