Braintree 1 is a smaller location and has a larger sister location behind our building (Braintree 2). Both Braintree locations were formerly Hugs Plus Learning Centers, and now operate with Kids & Company staff and proprietary programs.
This Massachusetts location is in the Braintree neighborhood near the intersection of Washington St. and Elm St. We are in a standalone building across the street from Hollis Elementary School and have a parking lot for parents to use during pick-up and drop-off. Those travelling by transit can use the MBTA bus which has a stop nearby. The T station is about 1 mile away as well.
Once you walk inside our building, you’ll notice it’s quite cozy and full of creations made by our children. Each of our spacious classrooms gets lots of natural light and is filled with educational and age-appropriate toys. Outside is a large fenced-in playground that has a climber, mud kitchen, sensory tables and wood chip surface, allowing the children to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Our 2 classrooms can accommodate 25 children from 5 to 6 years old, and the Preschool program is available on a full-time or part-time basis.
At Kids & Company, we use an emergent curriculum and learn-through-play philosophy. This means children are presented with learning opportunities in direct response to their individual interests and skills. Our children are immersed in experiences that enhance language, literacy, a sense of music and rhythm, and socialization so that they may develop independence, confidence and a positive sense of self and the world around them.
Children are provided with a hot lunch and 3 snacks each day, catered by our in-house Kidco Kitchen. The Kidco Kitchen is founded on a fresh-from-scratch philosophy and our food contains no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Learn more here.
Let’s Meet!
If you’re interested in our Braintree 1 location, please fill out the inquiry form below. You can indicate multiple locations in the comment section if you are unsure about your top choice.
Once submitted, one of our Parent Customer Care representatives will reach out via phone or email within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends and holidays). During that exchange, you’ll be able to ask questions, learn more about fees, book a tour, and find the best suited location for your child.
For a limited time only, registration fee will be waived for families who register and start care by January 31, 2024.
My name is Diane Barese, and I am the Center Director of Braintree 1. I received a BS in Elementary Ed from Bridgewater State, and a MEd in ECE from Lesley University. I started with Kids & Company in 2022 and have worked in the child care field for over 30 years. As an early childhood educator and administrator, I am given the opportunity to inspire our youngest learners and help families understand their child’s development. I am passionate about the role that I play in providing quality care and education to our youngest learners, giving them opportunities and the tools to develop strong self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and independence. My favorite thing about working at Kids & Company is their strong belief in a developmentally appropriate, emergent curriculum; providing children with choices and experiences that encourage learning through play. Our center has been a part of the town of Braintree since 1984. It has a strong reputation in the community as a learning center that provides quality education and care.
Kids & Company’s Infant program welcomes newborns up to roughly 18 months. Infants learn about the world around them through their senses, so exploration is critical to their development. Nurturing educators support the children while they take in their surroundings, encouraging them to experience everything the classroom offers; be it creative art, exploring with blocks, listening to songs or engaging in story-time. Our infant program encourages children to follow their own established routines, while becoming comfortable and secure in a new group setting.
Kids & Company’s Toddler program is for children between the ages of roughly 18 months and 2.5 years. Toddlers are mobile and eager to explore their environment. As they strive for independence, our educators use an Emergent curriculum approach to learning that supports each child’s individuality. Some of the most important learning outcomes of our toddler program are language development, socialization, self-help skills, and the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Kids & Company’s Preschool program is designed for children between the ages of roughly 2.5 - 5 years. Our educators interact, observe and interpret the interests of our children to encourage discoveries. Our Preschool program provides a foundation for developing greater independence and problem-solving skills; the program integrates new concepts into our children’s world view, promotes sharing and mutual respect, and prepares them for Kindergarten.
