Worthington, MA

Hilltown Community Children's Center serves the rural Hilltowns region including Worthington with a nature-based, play-centered curriculum. The center emphasizes outdoor education with extensive forest and garden spaces, following developmentally appropriate practices. Teachers hold early childhood certifications and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The program focuses on social-emotional development, creative expression, and hands-on learning experiences. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and natural learning environments. The center is known for its strong community connections and family engagement.

As part of UMass Amherst's College of Education, this nationally accredited center serves families throughout the Pioneer Valley including Worthington. The program implements research-based curriculum with a focus on emergent, project-based learning. Staff include master teachers and early childhood specialists with advanced degrees. The center features state-of-the-art facilities with dedicated art studios, music rooms, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Emphasis is placed on inclusive practices, anti-bias education, and supporting each child's individual development through careful observation and documentation.

Lumberyard Learning Center serves families throughout the Hilltowns and Pioneer Valley with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. The center features bright, thoughtfully designed classrooms with natural materials and documentation of children's learning processes. Curriculum emerges from children's interests with strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and creative arts. Teachers are trained in responsive classroom techniques and maintain NAEYC-aligned standards. The facility includes multiple outdoor play spaces, an art studio, and dedicated infant/toddler environments. Known for strong parent communication and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.