A new child care center, built on years of trust

Melanie has spent 27 years in early childhood education, first as a preschool teacher and then running a small nonprofit for a decade. She founded Ready Set Grow to give children what she believes every childhood needs: plenty of time outdoors, the freedom to follow their curiosity, and room to grow at their own pace.

Melanie has spent 25 years in early childhood education, including 9 years as a child care director. For her, it is about slowing down enough to notice the little moments and being there for every "aha!" along the way.

A letter from our founder

"A place where children can be children, where nature is part of the classroom, and where curiosity is encouraged every day."

Throughout my career in early childhood education and care, I always dreamed of one day creating a program of my own: a place where children can be children, where nature is part of the classroom, and where curiosity is encouraged every day. That dream became Ready Set Grow Learning Center.

Growing up in a small town in Aroostook County, some of my favorite childhood memories were the simple ones: being outside, exploring nature, getting a little messy, using my imagination, and discovering the world around me. Those experiences shaped who I am today and have stayed with me throughout my career. I wanted to create a place where children could experience that same sense of wonder.

At Ready Set Grow, children are encouraged to spend the majority of their day outdoors, because I believe there is so much to learn beyond the walls of a classroom. Fresh air, sunshine, nature, movement, exploration, and hands-on experiences provide children with endless opportunities to learn and grow.

I believe in a child-led approach to learning, one where children are given the freedom to be themselves, follow their curiosity, explore their interests, and reach developmental milestones at their own pace. Childhood shouldn't be rushed. It should be filled with opportunities to play, wonder, create, discover, and simply enjoy being a child.

My hope for Ready Set Grow is that every child who walks through our doors develops a love for learning and a love for the world around them. I want children to learn not only how to care for themselves and one another, but also how to care for the beautiful world we all share.

I am so excited to share this dream with the children and families in our community and to watch them explore, discover, and grow together.

Melanie Guiod

Owner & Director, Ready Set Grow Learning Center

Meet Melanie Way

"Some of the most meaningful learning happens when we give children the freedom to wonder, explore, create, and discover."

Hi, I'm Melanie Way, and I've been working in the field of early childhood education for more than 20 years. Caring for and teaching young children isn't just my career, it's my passion and the work I've chosen to dedicate my life to.

One of my very first experiences in child care is a moment I've never forgotten. During rest time, I was observing a little child lying on his mat. A rainbow of light was coming through the window, and he was holding his hand in the colorful reflection, completely fascinated. I gathered a few prisms and brought them over to him. Instead of simply resting, we spent that time exploring the light together, making rainbows dance across the floor, the walls, and around the room.

I remember watching his little face as he discovered something completely new. I could see his curiosity, wonder, and excitement growing right before my eyes. I wasn't just watching a child learn, I was fortunate enough to be part of the moment he discovered something for himself.

That was when I knew. This is what I wanted to dedicate my life to.

For me, early childhood education is about so much more than teaching. It's about slowing down enough to notice the little moments, following a child's curiosity, creating opportunities to explore, and being there to witness those incredible “aha!” moments.

After more than two decades in this field, I still believe that some of the most meaningful learning happens when we give children the freedom to wonder, explore, create, and discover the world around them.

I feel incredibly lucky to have made a career out of something I truly love, and I look forward to creating many more moments of wonder, discovery, and joy with the children and families in our care.

Come grow with us!

Melanie Way

Director, Ready Set Grow Learning Center

Safe and licensed

Peace of mind, built in

• Licensed by the State of Maine
• Every staff member CPR and first aid certified
• Every hire passes criminal background and child abuse and neglect checks
• Front door locked all day, with a private code for each family
• Motion detectors outside the front and sides of the building
• Sign-in and sign-out on the Brightwheel app
• Monthly fire drills and a full emergency plan
• An open-door policy: visit or call any time