I wrote to you almost one year ago asking about Little Sprouts. I am a new mom, as anxious and picky as they come, and precisely because of that I feel the need to write you this letter.

Little Sprouts has been the most amazing child care (NOT daycare) place I have encountered (I tried two other ones before settling on this one). Not only does my initial impression of cleanliness, organization and airiness in the layout and building still stand, but the individuals that work there blow my mind on a daily basis.

I cannot begin to enumerate all of the tiny details that have made me feel so secure in leaving my baby there, and all of the wonderful things my son has learned! Just last week I got a call from one of my child's teachers (T1 Ms. Kelsey) at 5:45pm and her first words were "don't rush! It's just that you are never this late picking him up and I was worried!" She really meant it! When I made it in shortly thereafter I find my sometimes very unfriendly toddler snuggled up to his teacher just waiting to be picked up. Last Friday, I spent two hours in his class with Ms. Hayley and I cannot begin to tell how incredibly impressed I am by her firm but gentle and loving way with everybody's babies! Ms. Hayley's notes on the daily sheet are always such a treat and so personal. The classroom!! It ALWAYS looks so fun and awesome--I don't know where she finds the time to make all the art and theme related decorations. And, I never cease to be amazed to find the same people I saw at 7:30am at drop off, smiling brightly at 4:30 at pick up.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much it makes my day to see how my little guy runs to Tara and the curriculum specialist (I always forget her name!) to give a hug or say hi. As an awesome bonus, they always laugh at my jokes. And I can't begin to tell you how many times I have had a concern which Heather fixed as soon as she could! I remember forgetting to pack his lunch and calling her in a panic to have her say "it's okay! We'll take care of it!" My life as a full time student, with a full time job and full time parent gets very hectic--I appreciate little things like that.

My little guy is the youngest in the class, and the other kids are so loving and kind--I know this is a testament to their parents, but have to acknowledge that it is also the overall culture of Little Sprouts. Whenever I see Jess, Kathy or Britanny say "good morning Emmanuel!" it's like they were saying it to me. I would never tell them this because it would border on creepy, but I love them so very much for taking care of my baby so very well. I don't feel like I'm leaving Emmanuel just anywhere, I'm leaving them with a group of extremely competent, careful and caring individuals that also acknowledge me and say "have a nice day!" as I walk out the door. Where did you find all of these people? I mean, down to the girl that waits out front with the kids waiting for the bus!

Now, if you guys could only have a 4pm yoga or Zumba class in the building or nearby...that would be like, I don’t know, the icing on the ChildCare cake. That might be pushing it, I know, I'm just throwin' it out there. A relaxed parent is a happy parent (who is on time to pick up their child if they're already in the building…=)

I just wanted someone to watch my baby while I was away, and I got a whole slew of people who do so much more than that, with a smile, on a daily basis. So thanks for being the initial contact that made all of this happen and thanks to Little Sprouts in general for establishing my faith in an organization that appears to be powered by compassion for others, kindness, discipline, and a love of learning. Surely, this is what all kids should be learning.

Thanks a million, Laura