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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

The Putney Place

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Putney, VT
The Putney Place

The Putney Place is the home to The Pumpkin Patch Early Childhood Education Center and The Sweet Spot! Welcome to the Pumpkin Patch! But we need your help!

Here we strive to provide the same nurturing, inclusive environment found in home daycares, through a center-based program that is easily accessible to the residents of Putney. The Pumpkin Patch: Program Philosophy

At the Pumpkin Patch our philosophy is rooted in play, curiosity, and creative expression. We believe that each child is unique, and comes to school every day with their own special ta

lents, skills, and challenges. It is our goal to help them learn and grow in a supportive, nurturing environment that celebrates the whole child. Our co-op model program provides a unique, multi-generational approach to learning. While students will be guided by highly qualified teachers everyday, they will also have the opportunity to learn from young adults, parents, and aging community members. We believe that it truly does “take a village to raise a child” and strive to bring the village to our ‘patch.’ By sharing in the rich knowledge and vast perspectives that can only truly be seen when all voices are brought to the table, your child will experience an education whose foundation is built on diversity and community. The Pumpkin Patch: Mission Statement

At the Pumpkin Patch we strive to grow curious, creative, learners while nurturing the whole child. We celebrate diversity and learning through developing deep, meaningful relationships with one another. At the ‘patch’ we believe:

Play is the foundation for the work of children and the cornerstone for learning

Attending to each child’s unique needs is how we can help them to feel supported and cared for

Teamwork is as important as time to explore individually

Curiosity is the spark of learning while creativity is the outcome

Helping one another to work through ‘big feelings’ is a necessary piece of our social-emotional growth

COMING SOON! Putney Playspace and Children's Museum - A fun interactive, indoor play area for families of Putney and surrounding towns. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where children can grow and learn all about what it means to be a member of this special community. The Children's Museum needs local business sponsors to create a child-sized version of our town. Won't you consider becoming a sponsor and having your business featured in our playspace? The Putney Youth Center - The Putney Youth Center caters to tweens grades 5-8. Fully equipped with games, computers, television, and easy access to our cafe, this space provides a safe, inviting place where youth in our area can gather and stretch their independence. The youth center is staffed with an experienced youth coordinator who not only provides supervision and guidance, but also helps our youth to organize events in and around Putney geared toward increasing engagement for young people in our community. We will work closely with the youth advisory committee to ensure that their needs and interests are met. To learn more, email Katy Emond at [email protected]. The Sweet Spot Cafe - The Sweet Spot is a grab 'n go style cafe where parents can get a cup of coffee or a muffin when they drop off their children in the morning, or enjoy a latte with a friend on the weekend while their children play at the Children's Museum. In the afternoon, The Sweet Spot offers the same charm as a 1950's soda shop with ice cream, milkshakes, and a wide variety of treats.

06/05/2026

Water play is the best play!

05/26/2026

Our two and three year olds have been preparing this past week to rip those diapers off and start their potty training journey. This did Potty activities, read books, had their dolls sit on the potty. This afternoon the Potty Party begins!

05/18/2026

✨ Now Enrolling for Fall 2026 in our Preschool! ✨

Beginning August 24th, we will have openings in our beloved Sky Classroom at The Pumpkin Patch for three and four yer olds — and we can’t wait to welcome new families into our community!

Our Sky Classroom is part of Vermont’s UPK funded program, allowing eligible families to receive tuition support while their children experience a nurturing, play-based preschool environment designed to help them thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

In the Sky Classroom, children spend their days:

Exploring through hands-on play and discovery.

Building kindergarten readiness skills naturally through meaningful experiences.

Creating, imagining, and expressing themselves through art and sensory play.

Learning friendship, confidence, and emotional regulation in a supportive environment.

Spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and embracing childhood magic.

Our preschoolers also have the unique opportunity to explore our Forest Classroom, where children build confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world through outdoor adventures and nature-based learning experiences.

During the summer months, students also participate in swim lessons, giving children the chance to build water confidence, practice important safety skills, and simply enjoy being kids!

What truly makes our program special is our incredible teaching team. Our educators create a warm, welcoming classroom where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn every single day.

At The Pumpkin Patch, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, connection, and joy — and our Sky Classroom reflects exactly that.

Reach out to [email protected] to learn more!

05/14/2026

There are many knee-jerk responses we have to when a child demonstrates a challenging behavior.

One we see a lot is an attempt to acknowledge the harm done is: "that's not nice/kind to (insert adjective)"

Why doesn't it work?

It is phrased in the negative - we know children under 3 and sometimes up to age 5 struggle to fully comprehend negative phrasing.

It emphasizes the problem rather than a solution or reset.

It gives energy to the undesirable behavior.

It reflects the behavior but avoids understanding the behavior as communication (what's the emotion behind the behavior? What's the need?)

But often we are stuck in that moment without a clear sense of what TO say. The Nurtured Heart Approach doesn't really give us a script for these moments, except to prompt a reset, pause, and then recognize the first baby step toward neutrality or positivity.

If the behavior is causing harm, this often doesn't feel like enough.

Try these phrases instead.

These phrases offer a way forward, and clearly communicate the steps you as the caregiver plan to take to resolve the situation in a neutral tone. These phrases offer clarity without excessive energy or engagement. They reflect a solution that calmly acknowledges and honors the source of the behavior, or what the behavior is communicating: the emotion or need.

05/08/2026

The Sky Room crew takes on 17 preschoolers every single day like absolute champions. Between balancing two different class schedules, meeting the needs of every child, and somehow keeping the room running smoothly, this team has formed a tight-knit bond that truly makes the magic happen. 💛

Hannah keeps the team grounded and on track. She’s always organized, always thinking ahead, and always bringing fun and engaging activities into the classroom. No matter how busy the day gets, she stays bubbly, calm, and steady. If she’s stressed, you would never know it.

Cindy is our child whisperer. Whether she’s counting fairies, helping a child regulate by finding their heartbeat, or simply sitting beside someone who needs extra comfort, she has a way of soothing children that is truly special. Her calm presence helps make the classroom feel safe and loving.

Molly takes on the hard jobs without hesitation and somehow makes it look easy. She steps up again and again with humor, kindness, and a “yes” attitude. Whether it’s extra hours, helping another classroom, or jumping into chaos with a smile, Molly is always there building bonds not just with her own students, but with children and staff throughout the entire center.

Jennifer is the queen of positivity. Her upbeat attitude is endless, and she brings laughter and light into every room she walks into. She’s always willing to stay late when we need a closer, and her easygoing, no-worries energy keeps both students and coworkers smiling.

This team tackles preschoolers like they are no beast at all — even on the wildest days. Thank you, Sky Room teachers, for the patience, teamwork, laughter, love, and dedication you pour into these children every single day. We appreciate you more than words can say.

05/07/2026

A huge appreciation post for our amazing Clouds Room teacher, Sam! ☁️

Sam is truly a superstar, caring for five little ones all on her own each day with patience, kindness, and so much heart. She brings warmth, creativity, and color into the classroom, making it feel safe, welcoming, and full of joy. Sam always notices the little details that make a big difference, and she never hesitates to jump in and help her coworkers whenever needed. Her flexibility, teamwork, and love for the children shine through in everything she does.

We also want to give the BIGGEST shoutout to our incredible floaters, Tanja and Nikki — because honestly, our center simply could not run without them.

Tanja helps make our four-day work week possible so our staff can take care of their mental health and families, and we are so grateful for her support. With her strong background in child psychology, she has an incredible ability to understand what students need and why. She brings such a calm, grounding presence into every classroom she enters, and both staff and students benefit from her thoughtful approach every single day.

And then there’s Nikki — our real-life bouncy ball. 💕

Nikki is constantly being pulled in every direction imaginable, jumping from classroom to classroom and always answering the next teacher SOS call without hesitation. Schedules change? Plans shift? Classrooms need support? Nikki is already there with a smile on her face and a go-with-the-flow attitude that never seems to fade. Her positivity, flexibility, and willingness to help wherever needed make her absolutely invaluable to our team.

We are beyond lucky to have these women helping shape our center into such a loving, supportive place for children and staff alike. Thank you, Sam, Tanja, and Nikki, for everything you do.

05/06/2026

The heart of a classroom is built by the people inside it, and our Sun Room team shines brighter than ever.

Joli pours her heart into truly understanding each child as an individual. She works tirelessly to create a Nurtured Heart inspired environment where students feel capable, valued, and celebrated every single day. Her dedication to best practice and meaningful connections helps shape a classroom filled with confidence, growth, and respect.

Anjelica brings the gentle, nurturing touch that makes children feel deeply loved and safe. She has a natural warmth that comforts students, encourages kindness, and creates the feeling of a second home. Her patience and caring spirit make such a lasting impact on everyone around her.

Abby brings the fun, the creativity, and the energy that keeps the Sun Room full of joy. Whether it’s imaginative activities, laughter, or encouraging kindness between friends, she helps make every day exciting and meaningful for the children.

Together, these three create something truly special — a classroom where students are supported, inspired, encouraged, and loved exactly as they are. Thank you, Sun Room teachers, for the endless care, creativity, patience, and passion you bring each and every day. Our students are lucky to grow under your sunshine. ☀️✨

05/05/2026

💛 Moon Room Magic 💛

Some teams just work… and then there are teams that feel like they were meant to be. That’s Joanne and Amy.

For nearly two years, this duo has been side by side, showing up day after day with full hearts and endless dedication. They are the kind of teachers who don’t just clock in—they pour in. Even on their days off, they’re thinking about their little ones and dreaming up ways to make each day more special.

Amy brings a calm, thoughtful presence that makes every child feel truly seen. She knows what makes each student tick and meets them right where they are. Her kindness shines through in everything she does, and her relationships with families are built on trust, care, and genuine connection. She makes sure every parent feels heard, even on the busiest days.

Joanne adds that extra sparkle that makes the Moon Room feel magical. ✨ She loves each child like they’re her own—whether it’s surprising them with a special treat, finding the perfect toy on sale, or bringing creativity and art into the classroom. She has a way of making childhood feel joyful, colorful, and full of wonder.

Together, they’ve created a space filled with love, laughter, and learning—a place where children feel safe, celebrated, and excited to grow.

We truly couldn’t imagine the Moon Room without them.

Thank you, Joanne and Amy, for everything you give—every single day.

05/04/2026

✨ Star Room Teacher Appreciation Post ✨

There are some people who just are the heart of a classroom—and our Star Room team is exactly that.

Kat, our incredible Lead Star Room Teacher, has truly been a steady light this year. No matter what the day brings, she shows up with a smile, a positive attitude, and a willingness to jump right into whatever is needed. She takes on the hard shifts without hesitation, brings thoughtful creativity into every corner of the classroom, and most importantly—pours so much love into each and every baby in her care. The way she connects, nurtures, and supports our littlest learners does not go unnoticed. She creates a space that feels safe, warm, and full of joy—and that’s something really special.

Jess, our amazing Assistant Star Room Teacher, has been such a gift to this team. From Floater to Star Room, her calm and steady presence has made such an impact. No matter how busy or unpredictable things get, Jess remains grounded, cheerful, and ready for anything. Her ability to stay cool under pressure is unmatched—you truly would never know if she’s having a stressful moment because she carries herself with such ease and positivity. She remembers the smallest details about each baby, making families feel seen, heard, and cared for in the most meaningful way.

Together, Kat and Jess are the definition of a dream team. They balance each other beautifully and create an environment where babies can grow, explore, and feel deeply loved every single day. The patience, teamwork, and heart they bring into the Star Room is something we are endlessly grateful for.

Thank you, Kat and Jess, for everything you do—for the snuggles, the giggles, the hard moments, and all the in-between. Our Star Room shines because of you. ⭐💛

04/22/2026

Our toddlers got their hands dirty (the best kind of learning!) as they worked alongside one of our wonderful parents to build a potato tower!

From shoveling soil and layering straw, to carefully placing potatoes and filling their crates, every step was a hands-on experience. The children practiced teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance—all while exploring textures, cause and effect, and the magic of how things grow.

There’s something so special about watching little hands take part in real, meaningful work. Not only are we growing potatoes, but we’re also growing confidence, independence, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

We can’t wait to watch our tower (and our learners!) grow!

Huge shout out and big thank you to Caitlyn for putting together such an amazing project for our students. we love when our community comes together like this 💛

Address

27 Patel Way
Putney, VT
05346

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://www.putneyplace.com/

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