'LEAP' Into Education At The Learning Experience

By JOHN VOKET

Published: Jun 18, 2010 12:00 am

âLEAPâ Into Education At The Learning Experience

The Learning Experience (TLE), a newly constructed daycare center that helps children develop intellectually, socially, and physically, opened in Plaza South on South Main Street Monday, June 14. By midafternoon, several visitors, including a new prospective family or two, had toured the location, as staff members including Director Cara Bellamy helped put a few finishing touches in place.

The companyâs newest franchise, like all of its centers, provides a safe and clean environment for children from ages of 6 weeks to 5 years, and helps them prepare for success in kindergarten and elementary school with a teaching staff that includes Newtowners Marje Trosan and Lauren Patrick.

âAs members of the community, we believe that the strong curriculum and commitment to the children will benefit our friends and neighbors,â said owner and operator Danielle Van Riper.

TLE teaches children through a proprietary curriculum called LEAP (Learning Experience Academic Program). The program is divided into three separate classes, based on chronological age and developmental stage.

All children participate in a variety of programs that stimulate the mind and body. Among the courses taught at the TLE center are phonics, science, art, music, dance, technology, and physical fitness.

According to a release, classes are taught in a safe and inviting environment. Entrances to the TLE center are locked at all times, and the emergency exit doors can only be opened from inside.

A sophisticated computer monitoring system is used at the main entrance to ensure only staff and parents of enrolled children can enter the center. Additionally, all classrooms are equipped with video monitoring systems.

Each classroom is clean and colorful with age-appropriate equipment, toys, and materials available to all children who attend the center. Children from 6 weeks to kindergarten are welcome at the center.

The new TLE centerâs address is 274 South Main Street, Building A. The facility is open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

TLE also has a center in Cromwell. To learn more, call 203-304-9130 or visit www.thelearningexperience.com.

Mother’s Day Tribute To Support Migrating Birds At Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

Sourdough Class At St Rose, May 4

Interfaith Council Learns About Local Substance Abuse Recovery Efforts

Hearts Of Hope From Newtown Arrive In California

Newtown Choral Society Planning Inspirational Spring Concert

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

While I respect the outcome of the referendum, I’m disappointed by the way this budget was presented and passed. A 6.72% tax increase and a mill rate jump to 28.78 may have been framed as “just a few dollars a day,” but for many families in town — especially those already stretched thin — those “few dollars” add up quickly. It’s frustrating to see large increases minimized in this way, and I worry that next year we’ll hear, “It’s only a little more than last year,” as if that justifies an ongoing trend of rising taxes. This year’s combined municipal and education budgets total over $141 million — that’s a significant sum.

Everything Passes: Budgets, Capital Projects Referendum Results In

All of the referendums deserve to be pasted. We have a history of deferring needed maintenance and then paying more years later. These are required to keep our town owned building and roads in working condition.

Vote “Yes” To Question #5 On Referendum

Every vote matters and that’s exactly why it’s important to recognize that voting No on a proposed budget is not a vote against Newtown, but rather a vote for accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Last year, when voters rejected the education budget in its first round, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it resulted in a reduced spending plan that ultimately passed. That outcome showed that our voices can and do make a difference. Voting “No” is one of the few tools residents have to encourage our town leaders to re-evaluate spending, find creative solutions, and prioritize needs over wants. So yes, please vote on April 22—but don’t be afraid to vote “No” if you believe we can do better. Last year’s vote proved that when residents speak up, real changes can follow.

Get Out And Vote

Breaking the tax increase down to a “cost per day” may make it sound more palatable, but it minimizes the real impact these increases have—especially on those already struggling with rising costs across the board. A dollar here and a dollar there adds up, and for many families, it's not just about the price of a cup of coffee—it's about stretching every dollar to cover groceries, fuel, healthcare, and housing. A 6.72% property tax increase is significant, regardless of how it’s framed. Saying “it’s only $1.13 a day” overlooks the fact that for some residents, every expense matters. Just because costs are rising doesn’t mean the burden should automatically fall on taxpayers without exploring real efficiencies, cost savings, or long-term planning. We need to prioritize fiscal responsibility and find smarter ways to manage our town’s needs without assuming residents can or should absorb another round of tax hikes.

Is Our Community Worth $1.67 Per Day?

<< Apr 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
30	31	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	1	2	3

Log In

'LEAP' Into Education At The Learning Experience

Leave a Reply Cancel reply