Welcome to BCC!
Welcome to Bridgewater Community Childcare (BCC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating under the Bridgewater Area Community Foundation. Since opening in 2022 within the historic Bridgewater Village School, we have expanded to create a dedicated sanctuary for early childhood education.
We recognize that these early years are a vital time for your child’s development, and we value our role in supporting your family through this journey. As a State of Vermont licensed facility, we strictly adhere to all regulations set by the Child Development Division in accordance with the Vermont Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs. These regulations establish minimum requirements, and Bridgewater Community Childcare reserves the right to implement additional policies or procedures when necessary to support the health, safety, and well-being of children and staff. Our team of dedicated educators and caregivers is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment that adapts to the ever-changing landscape of childhood.
Our Mission
Our mission is to nurture curiosity and creativity, laying the essential groundwork for a joyful childhood and a lifelong love of learning.
Philosophy
We view the early years of a child’s life as a period of immense potential, where children are recognized as capable, curious, and inventive explorers of their world. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our philosophy is rooted in the image of the child as a competent and active participant in their own learning. Our work is centered on nurturing growth through collaboration, inquiry, and a deep respect for the children's powerful "hundred languages" of expression.
Our center is built upon core principles that define a holistic and enriching educational experience:
The Child as the Protagonist: We design our programs to follow the child's natural curiosity and interests. Learning is not prescribed but co-constructed through long-term projects and explorations, respecting each child’s unique pace and powerful individual voice.
The Environment as the Third Teacher: Our physical space is deliberately designed to be beautiful, inviting, and stimulating. It acts as a continuous resource that inspires curiosity, facilitates collaboration, and encourages autonomous discovery, using natural light, organized materials, and displays of children's work.
Documentation as Visible Learning: Through detailed observation, photography, and transcripts, our educators document the children’s processes, thoughts, and dialogues. This makes learning visible, allowing children, teachers, and parents to reflect on, deepen, and celebrate the journey of discovery.
The Educator as Partner and Researcher: Our educators are not only trained professionals but also co-learners, researchers, and active partners in the children’s investigations. They listen closely, provoke thought, and offer resources that extend and enrich the children’s understanding.
The Family as Partner and Community: We recognize families as vital partners in their child’s education. We foster open dialogue and collaboration, intentionally weaving the family's values and experiences into the fabric of the center to create a shared, supportive learning community.
Reggio-inspired early childhood education & care
Reintroducing the magic and joy of childhood through early education and out of school care.
What it means to be a Reggio-inspired child care program
What is Reggio-inspired?
Based on the belief that every child is unique and will express their interests in many different ways, Reggio-inspired education philosophy is named after the capital city of the Providence of Reggio Emilia, Italy where the approach originated post World War II.
Psychologist Loris Malaguzzi, a leading figure in the Reggio movement, utilized his view of the child and a vision for child-centered education blending it with a deep connection to the community during this post-war time. Malaguzzi’s philosophy and the deep community involvement set the stage for the unique education experience new for its time known as the schools of Reggio Emilia.
Today Reggio-inspired schools and educational approaches are scene world wide for their innovative, child-centered, authentic play-based philosophy.
https://thereggioapproach.weebly.com/history-and-philosophy.html
The six principles of a Reggio-inspired program:
Respect for the individual
Relationships
The environment
Cooperative learning
Community involvement
Documentation of learning
Our Team
Miss Kristiana
Founder, Director & Lead Teacher
Hi, I'm Kristiana! As the founder, executive director, and lead teacher of Bridgewater Community Childcare (BCC) since establishing it in 2021, my leadership is rooted in relationships, artistic inquiry, and a deep respect for the competence of every child. Having spent over 10 years working in the field, I guide our program’s pedagogical vision, support educators through reflective practice, and cultivate environments where children’s ideas, questions, and expressive languages truly shape the life of our school.
Before entering the field of early childhood education and pursuing my master’s degree, I studied Graphic Design & Media Studies and Art History at Southern New Hampshire University and the University of New Hampshire. I remain deeply committed to nurturing learning communities where children and educators grow together as co-researchers, always honoring creativity, connection, and the hundred languages of childhood.
Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my family and pets, enjoying Vermont, being out in nature, skating, snowboarding, and exploring textile arts.
Mr. Owen
Assistant Director & Teacher
Our Enrollment Process
We welcome families with children from infants up through age 5, depending on current availability. Because we strive to maintain a close-knit, supportive community, we encourage families to reach out early.
Tour & Connect: Come see our indoor and outdoor learning environments in action.
Submit an Application: Click below to start your application and join our enrollment list.
Review & Registration: Once your application is reviewed, we will guide you through enrollment paperwork, tuition policies, and deposits to secure your child’s spot.
