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About Us

The Growing Place is a place of childcare excellence, operated by Theodora D. Speraw, MA. We are licensed by the State of California, Department of Public and Social Services, for children from six weeks old through twelve years old.
 
License #330908514 (K-12th grade)
License #334800085 (Infant - 2 years old)
License #334807318 (5 years - 12 years old)
License #334805154 (2years - five years old)

Our History
The Growing Place was established in September of 1978. We started out in a home with five staff members and provided care for forty preschoolers. Since then, our program has grown to include an infant/toddler program and an extensive before and after school program.
 
Our Philosophy
The Growing Place offers children an opportunity to grow in all developmental areas through a well-designed, integrated program of activities. We believe that as caregivers,
consideration must be given to the “whole” child and how we can best meet those needs on an individual basis. The program components consist of an integration of many approaches to the teaching of specific skills. We want to keep children interested, focused, and challenged.  Above all, we want children to have FUN!

About the Executive Director:
“Miss Teddy” has been the Executive Director for 20 years. The following is a brief resume:
 
Certification

• Lifetime Standard Teaching Credential, K-9, State Commission: Teacher Credentialing, 6/85.
• CA Community College Instructors Credential, Valid for Life, 1981.

Education

• Master of Arts in Education, emphasis on Curriculum & Instruction, US International University, San Diego, CA, 1993.
• California Teaching Credential, K-9,
  University of California, Riverside, CA, 1974.
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology,
  University of California, Riverside, CA, 1972.
   

Management Team
Patty Smith runs the day to day operations of The Growing Place as Director.
Carmen Gonzalez oversees the Infant and Toddler program as Assistant Director.
Rheena Riggs is our Private Elementary Director and runs our before and afterschool program.
Krista Podolny is the Fiscal Administrator and Web Designer.
Julia Montana runs the front office as our Administrative Assistant.

Staff
Our teachers have education ranging from masters of art degrees, bachelor degrees and units in early childhood studies. Our teachers are CPR and FIRST AID trained. Many of our staff have been with us over five years and are experienced, seasoned professionals,while our management team has worked for The Growing Place for over 15 years. This kind of longevity in employment provides a wonderful continuity in our school and for our children and families. We encourage our staff to continue their educational and professional growth throughout their career in childcare.  This benefits both our staff and our children because teachers are consistently updated with the latest trends in early childhood studies.  Additionally, all of our staff are fingerprinted and have background check clearances from the State Department of Justice.
 

The Growing Place by Christine S. Randolph   Child of trust, of joy, of faith, of twinkling eyes and smiling face; Come, walk with me along the path, and we will find – the Growing Place. Where laughter’s song floats on air, where freedom’s bliss fills all space; There are no walls to hem us in once we are in – the Growing Place. Enter now – we have arrived at castle-heart where love keeps pace; With wisdom, land of opened mind, this, my child, is – the Growing Place.