About Us

Welcome to the West Newbury Learning Center! The WNLC is a special place where children of all ages come to explore, socialize, and create. We understand that your childcare needs may change weekly or even daily, and that needs vary by family. We offer morning sessions for your preschooler that you can purchase without commitment and afternoon classes and workshops for older children.

During our “morning class” for preschoolers, your child will benefit from a variety of activity centers that include craft projects, sensory table exploration, dramatic play, books and puzzles. There will be a new and interesting theme that changes monthly. We will enjoy songs, stories and activities that go along with that theme. We will also have a snack time together. At the end of class each day, we will join together on the rug for meeting time to read stories and sing songs.

We also offer yoga, art, and STEAM, classes as well as literacy and tutoring and executive function coaching for older children. We look forward to meeting your family!

For our current schedule of programs, click the programs drop down menu in the navigation.

About Tracy Hartford

My name is Tracy Hartford and I am an inspired teacher who believes that children learn best when engaged in deep, meaningful play. In late 2018 I took a leap of faith and left my full time teaching job to open this center. It started with a vision of how I wanted to live my life and feel more connected to my work. From the moment we opened our doors, the universe has shown me that this is my path to fulfillment and success.

My teaching philosophy is founded in fostering a quality play based educational environment in a safe, nurturing atmosphere. I pride myself on extending my caring personality to both the children and the families I work with. My husband, two children and I have had the pleasure of living in West Newbury for the last 18 years. My background as an educator, with a Master’s degree in Child Development and 15 years teaching in both public and private preschool and public elementary school, has given me the experience to provide an educational environment for young children that is as unique as it is exciting. I feel a great sense of honor offering this community a quality learning environment.Tracy Hartford has 20 years of experience in early education in both public and private school settings. She loves working with children of all ages, and most of all, she is passionate about the importance of play-based learning. Tracy oversees the toddler, preschool and literacy programs at the WNLC.

Teaching Experience

Newbury Elementary School, Newbury, MA

Pathways for Learning, West Newbury, MA     

Hill View Montessori School, Haverhill, MA  

The Children’s Place, Boston MA

Certifications

Masters of Science, Human Development, Wheelock College, 1992

Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, University of New Hampshire, 1988

Massachusetts Early Education and Care Standard Certificate