Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Guindon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After working in the public school system and while raising my five children, I decided to open a preschool in my home. I knew, through my own experience, trying to find the perfect location to leave my children while I was working, seemed impossible. After touring several places, I just couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them anywhere. By opening my own preschool, I was able to care for my children, utilize my education degree and offer quality care and education for local families.
Once my own children were grown and entering school, knew that I was either going back to teaching in public school or I was going to open my own early childhood education center. Based on the troubles I had when trying to find child care when my children were small, I knew that opening a center was the direction for me. I wanted to create an environment where children were, not only loved and cared for but able to safely explore the world around them. A place where they would learn through play and be prepared for their future education. I had the dream of my center is a combination of home and center with amazing staff; and a peaceful place where children would love to spend their day.
In 2015, after much searching, my husband and I purchased a small building with a great history in West Bridgewater. In the 1950’s it was used as a dairy plant – cows on one side and a small store on the other. Through the years, the building was utilized by different industries and churches. In January 2016, my amazing husband began major renovations … turning this small empty building into the beautiful space that is now The Learning Well. We began enrolling children in September 2016 and by word of mouth only, were completely full by May 2017. We now have five classrooms and care for children from birth to age six. Even though I was nervous when we opened, since running a business is different from teaching in a classroom, I surrounded myself with staff who are professional, educated women who love their jobs and are as invested in The Learning Well as I am.
I am so lucky and blessed to be able to come here every day. I hope I’m setting a positive example for my children – that it’s possible to achieve your goals and find happiness in your jobs. If you enjoy what you do, it does not really work. Like they say, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The purchase of the building was nerve-wracking. Being such an old property, there were problems with the title, but thankfully after six months we were able to move forward.
Other than that, because of the wonderful people who surround me, this adventure has been fairly smooth. Of course, there were a few small hurdles while renovating, making sure our classrooms were up to code and followed regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
The Learning Well Early Education Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is early education and childcare. We offer care programs for children from four weeks to six years. We have five classrooms: one infant room, two toddler classrooms, and two preschool classrooms.
What makes us special is that the environment is clean, bright and has positive energy. We move children every 9-12 months to a new classroom so that they can explore new challenges and be engaged with different toys, games, and lessons. We have a small staff of ten teachers and seven assistants and everyone knows and works with each other in all the classrooms. Three of my children work at the school and four of the teachers have worked with me over the past 11 years at the preschool in my home. Most of the teachers /caregivers have their own children and honestly just love to help grow young minds and bodies for the future. This is not a profession you will get rich at, so it is something you have to truly enjoy in order to do it.
I am proud of my husband for the beautiful job he did renovating the school. I am proud of the professionalism of my teachers and I am proud of the curriculum that my co-worker, Susan, and I have developed. The children have different skills that they learn at different stages. They learn sign language starting in the infant room and Spanish beginning in the two-year-old room. As they progress through to the older classrooms, they also learn to begin writing and identifying the alphabet, math skills, sight words and so much more! And all this in a fun and playful environment. We’ve also incorporated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) into all of our daily activities.
When first walking through our doors, you are greeted by warm colors and essential oils that make the place smell amazing. The hallways are bright and clutter free and the classrooms are spacious and homey. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day! For me, too!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personally, success for me is my family being happy and healthy. I was blessed with wonderful and encouraging parents who told me I could do and be anything I wanted. I have a wonderful husband who gives me the ability to do what I love and I have five beautiful, creative, intelligent, and caring children.
The fact that The Learning Well is a successful and amazing place is due to my family. I feel my success, professionally, is providing a top-notch education and care facility. I want my families to feel confident and at peace knowing their child is safe and having a good time during the day. I feel successful when I see children who attended my preschool so many years ago and they tell me things they remember about their time at The Learning Well. That’s how I know that my work and my passion make a difference in someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Address: Christine Guindon
91 Copeland Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379 - Website: LearningWellSchool.com
- Phone: 508-510-4128
- Email: LearningWellSchool@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Learning-Well-Early-Education-Center-478207692228597/
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