

Early Care and Education
More than 27 years ago, a group of concerned and passionate community members came together with a shared vision: to ensure that local children and families had access to safe, nurturing, and high-quality childcare.
Recognizing a critical need in the community, these dedicated citizens rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Through grassroots fundraising efforts, local support, and an unwavering commitment to children, they raised the funds needed to bring their vision to life.
What began as an idea quickly grew into action. With the help of countless volunteers, they created a welcoming space where young children could learn, grow, and thrive. Every corner of the program was built with intention, rooted in care, connection, and a belief that all children deserve strong early learning foundations.
From those early days of volunteerism and determination, our program has continued to grow, evolving to meet the needs of our community while staying true to the values it was built on.
Today, we honor that legacy by continuing to provide high-quality childcare and preschool experiences, grounded in community, driven by purpose, and inspired by the individuals who made it all possible.
The mission of the Winchester Learning Center (WLC) is to provide high quality child care and preschool programs to families with children and to ensure that services are available and affordable. WLC encourages family and community involvement and partners with the local school system to give each child a strong educational foundation. WLC strives to maintain a strong organizational structure, to have carefully considered business practices and to be financially sound. WLC will continue to improve and expand its programs to satisfy the child care and educational needs of the community.
The Winchester Learning Center is committed to providing a warm, supportive and stimulating environment, focusing on the individual needs of each child and their family. First and foremost, children have basic needs which must be met every day. We ensure the basic needs such as food and rest are met and then move on to promote and engage development. We strive to create a hands-on environment enriched with materials that support a discovery-based curriculum. We believe children learn best through using all their senses. Our activities support the development and use of exploration, observation and investigation. We also believe no one knows the child like a parent. Our partnerships with you our parents make our program a quality program.
The Winchester Learning Center was designed to provide an environment that would enhance and enable learning and community while providing quality child care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
We offer:
Infant care (ages 6 weeks-18 months),
Toddler care (ages 19 months -3 years)
Preschool (ages 3-4 years)
Pre K (ages 4-7 years).
We accept Department of Health and Human Services Child Care Scholarship.

All staff hold credentials through the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration. They participate in ongoing professional development and consistently meet or exceed state licensing standards, ensuring every child is supported by knowledgeable and caring educators.
The WLC has earned Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ) recognition. The GSQ focuses on two quality standards which will promote a culture of continuous quality improvement. This focus will help improve the overall quality of Early Care and Education and Out-of-School Time programs in the state, thereby improving outcomes for children and families.
The WLC is proud to be a Pyramid Model Implementation Site, using this research-based framework to promote social-emotional development and positive behavior in every child. By focusing on relationships, prevention, and support, we help children build the skills they need to thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
We believe that positive, nurturing relationships are the foundation of healthy development. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed around nature and play, encouraging children to explore, imagine, and learn through meaningful experiences. Guided by research and evidence-based practices, we provide an environment that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and connection.
We are proud to offer a nutritious food program supported by the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This program ensures that every child enjoys healthy, balanced meals and snacks each day, at no additional cost to our families.
Roberta has worked in the early childhood field for __ years. She has a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Development and Human Services and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator III; EC Administrator II;
PD Specialist: Trainer and Mentor; I/T Endorsement: Foundational Level II.
Roberta has been part of the Winchester Learning Center's story since the very beginning. She began her journey as a teacher and has grown into her role as Executive Director alongside the center’s own growth and expansion. She truly believes the early years are a magical and critical time in a child’s development, one that makes early childhood education not just a career, but an adventure she’s grateful to live every day.
Her favorite part of the job is supporting teacher growth and witnessing child growth. Over the years, Roberta has had the unique joy of seeing children she once taught return with children of their own for care, as well as welcoming former students back as teachers, including members of her current staff.
Outside of work, Roberta treasures her time with her children and grandchildren, whom she describes as amazing, wonderful human beings who bring endless light to her life. If she could she would spend every minute of every day with all of them.


Joanne is new to the early childhood field but brings years of valuable administrative experience to the team.
Joanne values the WLC as a place dedicated to high-quality early care and education, not simply childcare, where children are nurtured and supported in their growth. She loves that the space is a happy, welcoming environment for both children and staff. Joanne also has a deep love for the ocean, which inspires her calm and joyful spirit.

Merideth has worked in the early childhood field for 11 years. She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator II; EC Administrator I;
PD Specialist: Mentor; I/T Endorsement: Foundational Level II.
Merideth believes connection and community are key to helping children and families thrive. She’s passionate about building trust and belonging that make learning possible.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with her partner Troy, their son Archer, and their cats, Rosie and Goose, as well as creative projects, cooking, and baking.

Sally has worked in the early childhood field for 13 years.
Sally values early childhood education for the strong foundation it provides for future learning. Her favorite part of the job is seeing children build relationships and knowing she’s making a positive impact on their lives. She also loves spending time camping and enjoying the outdoors.

Alyssa has worked in the early childhood field for 4.5 years. She holds a Preschool CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator I.
Alyssa believes the foundation for lifelong learning begins in the earliest years, and she’s grateful to be a part of it. Her favorite part of the job is leading science and art activities with the children, sparking curiosity and creativity. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring different hiking trails with her family.

Kelsey has worked in the early childhood field for 6 years. She holds an Preschool CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Emerging Professional Certificate.
Kelsey loves watching little minds light up as the magic of learning takes hold. She enjoys fostering creativity in the classroom and sharing moments of discovery with children each day. Before joining the WLC, Kelsey worked in an art gallery in Washington, D.C., which deepened her love for art and creative expression.

Kamryn has worked in the early childhood field for 1.5 years. She believes early childhood education is essential because it provides the foundation for lifelong success and plays a crucial role in every child’s development. Her favorite part of the job is witnessing children reach their developmental milestones and celebrating their progress along the way. She also loves to travel and explore new places.

Heather has worked in the early childhood field for 20 years. She holds a Preschool CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator I.
She believes early childhood education is important because it gives children the opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that offers both guidance and encouragement, helping them become well-rounded individuals. Her favorite part of the job is watching children reach milestones she’s helped them achieve, and seeing their smiles when they greet her by name. Outside of work, Heather enjoys zipping around on her moped.

Ashley has worked in the early childhood field for 8 years. She holds a Preschool CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator I; I/T Endorsement: Foundational Level I.
Ashley believes early childhood education shapes a new generation and helps build a better future. Her favorite part of the job is witnessing the excitement when a child accomplishes something new. She’s also a devoted music lover and has been to at least one concert every year since 2012.

Vanessa has worked in the early childhood field for 20 years. She holds a Preschool CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator I.
Vanessa values early childhood education because it allows her to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. Her favorite part of the job is the special bond she builds with each child she cares for daily. She also has a deep love for the ocean, and wishes she had more time to go there.

Roxanne has worked in the early childhood field for 7.5 years. She holds an Infant Toddler CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator I; I/T Endorsement: Foundational Level I.
Roxanne believes early childhood education is vital because children are our future, and educators help build the foundation for their lifelong learning. Her favorite part of the job is watching children reach milestones and, of course, all the hugs along the way. Outside of work, Roxanne enjoys fixing and building things.

Maddyson has worked in the early childhood field for 3 years. She holds a Preschool CDA Credential.
Early childhood education has been part of Maddyson’s life since she was young, a passion she inherited from her grandmother. She loves watching children grow both physically and developmentally. Maddyson graduated high school early and has a little brother 14 years younger than her, who keeps life lively and fun.

Ashley has worked in the early childhood field for 9 years. She holds an Infant Toddler CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator I. Ashley was first introduced to early childhood education by her co-op teacher while she was in high school. She loves being one of the first people to make a positive impression on a young child and enjoys helping create meaningful experiences during their early years. When she’s not at work, Ashley loves taking her children on fun adventures and making special memories together.

Tabitha has worked in the early childhood field for __ years. She holds a Preschool CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Educator I; I/T Endorsement: Foundational Level I.
Tabitha loves being an active part of children’s lives, supporting them as they grow and reach important milestones. Her favorite part of the job is feeling the unconditional love and joy that children bring every day. She also has a special fondness for sunflowers, which brighten her days just like the children she cares for.

Sheena has worked in the early childhood field for 6 years. She holds an Infant Toddler CDA Credential and the following New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credentials: EC Emerging Professional Certificate.
Sheena believes early childhood education provides children with a safe, welcoming space filled with routines and consistency. Her favorite part of the job is spending time with the kids and sharing in their daily discoveries. A fun fact about Sheena: she has a strong dislike of the color yellow, and her coworkers love to playfully tease her about it.
..

Lyndsey is a team member who joins us in the afternoons, lending a hand and supporting classrooms as children finish their day. Lyndsey believes early childhood education is important because young children need just as much attention, care, and learning support as school-age children, and she loves being part of teaching them new things. Her favorite part of the job is how rewarding the work feels, especially hearing children excitedly say her name each day. Outside of work, Lyndsey loves spending time with her five nieces and nephews and is always happy to babysit them.

Annabelle has worked in the early childhood field for 1 year. Annabelle loves being part of helping children learn and find joy every day. Her favorite part of the job is the relationships she shares with both her coworkers and the children. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending her free time baking delicious treats.
289 Athol Road, Richmond, NH 03470
603-209-5826
Community Member
Board Member since 2006
261 Ashuelot Street, Ashuelot, NH 03441
603-903-9086
Town of Winchester Employee
Board Member since 2019
51 Stone Mountain Road, Winchester, NH 03470
603-831-1728
AP Bookkeeper/ Central Supply
Board Member since 2025
6 Kendall Lane, Swanzey, NH 03446
413-768-9703
School Teacher
Board Member since 2015
17 River Court, Winchester, NH 03470
603-762-4744
Parent/ Mascoma Operations Supervisor
Board Member since 2023
If you have questions about the opportunities available in our programs, feel free to send us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Open today | 06:30 am – 05:00 pm |
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