Spots open now: daycare, preschool, and before & after school Save your spot →

Now enrolling in South Portland

Nature-based child care for curious kids

A newly opened center in a freshly renovated space, led by experienced educators that families have trusted for years.

Children walking single file on a wooden boardwalk through the woods

Outdoors, rain or shine Seasoned teachers Daycare & preschool, 6 weeks+ Before & after school, K–5 Part-time options Lunch & snacks included 7am–6pm, all included

Rooted in respect, growing every day

Our program is child-led and nature-based. Children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, get their hands dirty, and learn to care for themselves and each other. Everything we do is designed to help raise confident, compassionate kids with a lifelong love of learning and a deep respect for nature.

Our approach →

Children holding pine cones in their open hands

Why families choose us

New center, seasoned teachers

Our two directors bring more than 50 years of experience in early childhood education, and every teacher has at least five years of their own. Many of our families have trusted them for years and followed them here.

Nature is our classroom

Children spend most of their day outside in every season, exploring gardens, trails, and mud kitchens, with a cozy classroom to come back to.

Open spots, flexible schedules

We have spots open now in every program, with full- and part-time schedules. Our day runs 7am to 6pm, and every hour is included in tuition, so using the full day never costs extra.

A program for every stage

For daycare and preschool

Hatchlings

6 weeks to 18 months

A calm, cozy room where babies follow their own rhythm, with time for fresh air, soft grass, and plenty of cuddles.

Explore infant care →

Fawns

18 months to 2.5 years

Toddlers learn with their whole bodies, climbing, digging, splashing, and naming everything they find.

Explore toddler care →

Fox Kits

2.5 to 3.5 years

Big questions and bigger projects, from bug hunts to stick building to their very first gardens.

Explore early preschool →

Owls

3.5 to 5 years

Getting ready for kindergarten, outside and in, practicing letters and numbers and building the confidence to try new things.

Explore preschool →

For school-age kids

Eagles

Before and after school · K to 5th grade

The school day starts and ends outside, not on screens. Room to roam after the bell with both structured and unstructured activities.

Explore before and after school →

School pickup

Chaperoned walk from Skillin Elementary down the street.

Before and after school

7am until the bell, and 3:10 to 6pm

Snack and homework help

Teachers right there to help

Melanie Guiod and Melanie Way standing in front of a red burning bush in the fall

Our story

A place where children can be children

Ready Set Grow is led by two Melanies, with a combined 52 years of early childhood experience.

Owner Melanie Guiod grew up in Aroostook County, spending her days outside exploring and getting a little messy, and has spent 27 years as a preschool teacher and nonprofit leader. Director Melanie Way brings the other 25, including 9 as a child care director.

Together, they built a program around what they believe childhood should be: curious, unhurried, and spent outdoors.

Read their story →

What parents say

From families who know us

Read every review on Google →

"They do an amazing job with my infant daughter! Dropping off your child for the first time at daycare is stressful for anyone, but I feel completely at ease here."

Hayley D.

Hatchlings parent · Google review

"We are so grateful for the love and care this team has shared with our two kids over the years! Great people and great new space."

C. Smith

Parent of two · Google review

Come see it for yourself

Tours take about 30 minutes. Meet the team, see the classrooms, and walk the trails.

Book a tour Save your spot