Welcome to The Growing Tree Child Care Center
3000 N Third St.
Whitehall, PA 18052
Growingtree3@yahoo.com
610-264-1177
About Us
Jamie Lynn Polzer-Toth
Director & Administrator
Hello! I am a highly energetic Director who has worked with children and their families for over 15 + years that has developed a strong background in Early Childhood Education and Business Administration. I graduated from NCC in 2018 with my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and obtained my Director Credential from NCC in 2022. Not only do I bring exceptional knowledge of child development theory and the implementation of its practices into our classrooms; but above all, keeping your children safe while here at The Growing Tree. I am deeply mindful of all parental and guardian concerns and ensure that our children and their families are my priority. I will ensure that my staff go above and beyond to provide your child the highest level of Early Childhood Education they deserve!
Nicole Polzer- Grieco
Assistant Director & Curriculum Specialist
Hello! I am an energetic and experienced Assistant Director and Curriculum Specialist with a background in Psychology and Special Education. I graduated in May 2003 from Kutztown University with my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and graduated in May 2011 from Grand Canyon University with my Master's Degree in Special Education. I then went back to school at LCCC in 2021 to obtain my Director's Credential. Prior to being a child-care center director, I was a Special Education Teacher at NEW STORY in Wyomissing and BHA in Lehighton since graduating with my Master's Degree. With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, I will go above and beyond to ensure that your child's safety and well-being while here at our center is my priority. Your child deserves the highest quality of care and early childhood education programming, and I am happy to be a part of that experience!
Giovanna Harley
Assistant to Directors & Office Manager
Hello! I am a diligent and energetic Assistant to the Directors and Office Manager who ensure your children are my highest priority. With more than 5+ years experience working in child-care, I am a 2022 graduate of the NCC CDA Apprenticeship Program and am currently attending NCC to pursue my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Upon completion of obtaining my Associate Degree; I will continue to pursue my passion of working with children here at The Growing Tree and extend my knowledge to our Directors in assisting with curriculum, lesson planning, maintaining a tracking system for children and staff, scheduling, enrollment, and so much more. I look forward to being a part of your child's early learning education and all that their future entails!
Our Philosophy
We believe in providing children, of all abilities, with a safe and child-centered environment using our knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices. We focus on providing learning experiences based on each child's interest and relevance to their daily lives. We believe strong family relationships are an integral part in helping children to feel safe to learn and thrive. We recognize the value in having educated, dedicated teachers to guide social and emotional development so children can realize their own self-worth and develop positive social interactions.
Our Mission
To provide a warm and nurturing environment that inspires children to learn and grow through developmentally appropriate experiences; to create strong family-child-staff connections, and to guide the development of children's social and emotional intelligence to build a strong foundation for future success in life.