When my wife and I found out we were pregnant with our daughter we were so excited and then came our first challenge as new parents, finding the right daycare for our child. This was going to be someone we did not know, taking care of our baby; someone we would trust to make sure that our child was attended to the way that we would. This was going to be a very difficult task, but my wife was up for the challenge. She researched daycares within a 10 mile radius and looked at countless websites. She met with many directors, but the one that stood out the most was Abby Hodgkins, at Growing by Leaps and Bounds. She shared the website with me and her thoughts on the facility. I went in and had a chance to see first hand what she had fallen in love with...and I was sold. My daughter is now 21 months old and we are expecting our second child. We moved and It now takes my wife close to 2 hours every day to drop off and pick up our daughter. They are one of a few daycares that can accommodate half days as well. With a new baby on the way we thought about looking for a closer daycare, but none compare to Growing by Leaps and Bounds and their staff. So here is why we are staying. My daughter has learned so much from this daycare. She learned to communicate much faster than our friends that have nanny's, family daycare or one of the parents stays at home. They have taught her to walk, talk and eat on her own. Every day she comes home, we feel like she has picked up a new skill or word. She is so excited to go to daycare and we are thrilled to get art projects, pictures and videos of her day from the staff. This one is a little specific, but they put her hair into so many different and fun hair styles, we can't wait to get her to see what she will look like. Our daughter had issues with eating, sensory issues, and the daycare has given us so many good ideas to help her with this, along with an introduction to someone that works for the state to help as well. When we couldn't get her to eat, they were able to. I can't say enough good things about this daycare. If you are looking for a safe place that nurtures development and is attentive to your child, you need to check out Growing by Leaps and Bounds. read more

GBLB is awesome! I just wanted to share an email I sent to the director Abby. This is an amazing school with staff that really cares. Here is what I wrote: "Hi Abby Just wanted to send a quick email to say THANK YOU for all that you do! I'm sure you know that leaving your child with a stranger is difficult; it takes time to feel comfortable leaving them and you worry constantly. I do not have that issue when I drop our little lady off at GBLB :) She has learned so much thanks to you and all of the awesome teachers. She is happy when she comes home and tells us stories about her friends and pretends she's still at school. She has given us new names; I am Michelle and Daddy is Ms. Jamie. Not sure he likes being called a woman's name (LOL), but we are so happy that she likes to pretend that she is still at school playing with her teachers. She'll even put on her coat as if she is going outside to the play area. Thanks for the shows, art work, circle time and pizza Friday's. Thanks for waking up early to open early for those who need it. Thanks for staying open until 6 which seems to be unheard of for daycare centers. Thanks for being a role model for other moms who sometimes need a reminder that they can do hard things with patience and persistence. And thank you for the smiles, hugs, love and attention you give my daughter every day. You guys are the absolute best...just wanted you to know it :) " read more

Every single teacher at this school has the biggest heart you could ever imagine. The amount of anxiety I had as a first time mom was unreal and I was so scared to drop my son off anywhere that wasn't with me. I waited till he was 2 years and 4 months. They were so kind and understanding of all my feelings and tears, and he flourished. So much so that once my daughter turned a little over 1, we enrolled her and she has flourished even mnore than I could have imagined! I didn't have any anxiety this time because the SAME teachers were still there because you can tell they all support each other, work as a family, and care DEEPLY about all their families there. I can't say enough good about this school, and these teachers. They are flexible with adding days when they can, and i know they love my baby when I'm working, or home on a sick day. I don't know what our family would do without them, as our actual families don't live close by. You cannot go wrong by choosing this daycare! read more

We started looking for daycare options for our daughter in Fall of 2010 when my wife decided it was time for her to go back to work. We visited almost all centers in and around Burlington. Some were too big, some were too small, some were too structured and corporate-like, some seemed completely disorganized. However, when we visited GBLB, we felt that we had finally found a center that had the right balance of everything we were looking for in a daycare center for our daughter. The cozy and homely feeling of GBLB struck a chord with us (and with our little girl). We can say confidently that we made the right choice. Throughout her time at GBLB, our daughter liked the center and her teachers very much, and so did we. GBLB provided the safe, clean, comfortable and nurturing environment that we had hoped to find in a childcare center for our daughter. We would recommend GBLB to anyone looking for a childcare program in and around Burlington, MA. read more

My daughter started in Growing by Leaps and Bounds infant room at six months old and I spent a lot of time there since I worked nearby and was able to come and breastfeed her during the day. I got to know Abby, all of the teachers and many of the kids really well and enjoyed spending time there as much as my daughter did. Before starting at GBLB we tried a family daycare and visited several of the larger centers nearby. They were all fine, but none had the magic combination of professionalism, a robust curriculum and the genuine warmth, joy and love of each child that we found at GBLB. The teachers are all amazing people and many of them have kids in the school, which adds to the intimate family-like atmosphere. Our "non-traditional family" was welcome and celebrated and we found that each kid is celebrated for his/her individuality every day. I wish the world was like GBLB - we would all be better people! read more

My son attended GBLB for a few months and it was not a good experience. I saw a teacher straightening her hair in the infant room at one time. The toys were filthy and had no purpose. The curriculum was NOT followed, and countless times I walked in for pick up and teachers were on their cellphones. I compare this place to the school my son is at now and I am horrified I ever allowed my son to go there. The staff turnover rate is ridiculous. It seems no one wants to work there. I am so happy I pulled my son from this filthy center. They also warm bottles in the microwave which is AGAINST state regulations. Babies being propped with bottles, blankets in cribs and so many other things i saw are just not up to safety regulations. I am so thankful that my son is now in a SAFE and healthy environment for him to grow in. read more

This center has been open and successfully teaching children since 2004. It is owned and operated by my wife, so ya, ok, I'm a partial reviewer, but having clearly stated that, I can now honestly say that I'm reviewing this center from a parent perspective as well. GBLB has taught our three children, (one is still a GBLB preschool student), two of which are now in public school. They started out very successful in their public school careers thanks to the preliminary education they received at GBLB. Both kindergarten years were filled with praise from their teacher as she explained how impressed she was with their educational skills. I know this is directly related to the wonderful, caring, well-educated teachers at GBLB. Keep up the great work, GBLB! read more

My three grandchildren have attended Growing By Leaps and Bounds since birth!! The amazing staff here are the best anywhere! They love and encourage each child individually! The art projects have been awesome and each child comes home with a different lesson learned each day.... and talk about their "fun-tasic time at school" until bedtime! We would be lost without them. They are so completely different from your run-of-the-mill corporate day care centers found elsewhere in the area. It's well worth the trip to come and see for yourself just how these kids are "reaching for the stars"! I know my grandchildren are going to "soar"! read more

I have been using GBLB for my 2 sons for the past 2 and 1/2 years and could not have been happier! It has a close-knit family feel and also has wonderful learning opportunities such as pottery, gymnastics, music classes. All of the teachers are very caring and get to know each child on a special level. My sons are always talking about their friends and teachers and the fun things they did that day. Another huge plus is the flexibility with scheduling. My work schedule varies a lot, and Abby has been so accommodating with this. I would highly recommend this daycare, my children have been very happy here! read more

We entered our daughter in Growing by Leaps & Bounds when she was only 3 months old. It was a really tough time for Mommy leaving her & going back to work! The staff at GBLB made this transition so much easier for us. They all were fabulous! It was a huge relief to know that my daughter was going to be well taken care of. She is now almost 8 months old and when I pick her up every day she greets me with the biggest smile!! Thank you GBLB staff for the wonderful care that you provide to our child!! read more

I've been a fan of Growing By Leaps & Bounds for years now! They do a fantastic job of teaching my grandchildren... keeping them active, happy & healthy on a daily basis! I love when it's my turn to pick them up from school as it's exciting to see them so engaged in their learning and play. The only downfall- It's really hard to get them to leave to come home with me! HAHA! read more

We absolutely love GBLB. This is a fantastic school with great teachers, wonderful kids and families. Our son loved being there and I felt good dropping him off knowing he was in a safe caring environment. They learn new things everyday and it's a great balance of structure and play. I would highly recommend this school to anyone. read more

We have had the best of luck in finding Growing By Leaps and Bounds! Our kids are always coming home telling us about their exciting day and sharing things that they're learning about. We tell everyone we know with a growing family to come check out this childcare center. Couldn't ask for more! read more

I couldn't ask for a better place to send my daughters! I personally have known the center and it's employees since it has opened. It is a healthy viable place for children to grown and learn. I am so blessed to have such a caring and loving place to send my girls! read more

Great daycare! My son is in the toddler room and loves it here! He learns so much from his teachers miss Candice and miss Courtney! The families here are so loving and friendly they made us feel so welcomed!! I'm so happy my son and I can be part of this family! read more