The Learning Tree Intergenerational(SM) Center

— The Learning Tree Intergenerational Center —

We are a licensed organization by the City of St. Louis and the State of Missouri dedicated to serving the immediate community in which it resides. The Learning Tree is also accredited by the State of Missouri. Our current enrollment capacity will accommodate 112 children and 8 senior adults.

Established in 1971, Shirley Black and Dolores Hudson founded The Learning Tree Day Nursery. Our Not-for-Profit 501(C)3 organization was the "first" of its kind in North St. Louis offering day care services to families. Our services was broadened in 1981 to care for infants and toddlers. In 1992, the enrollment of Senior adults proved to be yet another "first" for The Learning Tree in the St. Louis Area as well as the industry of Care Service Providers. Thus, "Intergenerational" care service was created!

To date, the cornerstone of The Learning Tree Intergenerational Care (SM) has taken on a life of its own in providing quality care and resources to children and Seniors with emphasis on facilitating a structured and consistent curriculum that nurtures the holistic needs of the individual and their families. The primary benefit of Intergenerational Care (SM) is the positive effect(s) on the area of cognitive, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and nutritional development of the individual.

— Our Purpose —

We, at The Learning Tree provide quality care to children, seniors, and their families by offering programs in the area of cognitive, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and nutritional development.

We welcome your loved one into our midst. They will enjoy some of the best days of their lives!

— Vision —

Our passion lives in creating an envioronment where the “young at heart and the hearts of the young” can develop tangible, respectful and compassionate relationships with one another.

— Care Specialists —

The Learning Tree Staff consists of the following specialists:
Executive Director, Development Director, Program Director & Assistant, Office Manager & Assistant, Nurse, Senior Caregivers, Infant/Toddler Caregivers, Pre School Teachers, School-Age Teachers, Teacher Coordinator, Fine Arts Director, Senior Activity Planner, Nutritionist, Driver, Maintenance Engineers and Volunteers

— Senior Adult Care Program —

The Senior Adult Health Care Program was designed to provide better quality of life for seniors who have reached low functioning status or early stages of Alzheimer’s. Many people "write off" these individuals and label them as unreachable, however, our goal is to activate those senses that are still functioning and give them stimulating experiences that will prolong the deterioration of the mind, body and soul.

Everyday there are simple activities provided that enables the seniors to feel a sense of accomplishment. Activities include arts and crafts, dancing, exercising, singing, going on fieldtrips, and playing games. The children also bring great pleasure to the seniors as they work together on projects and the daily interaction seems to rejuvenate and revitalize their energy.

In this program, we strive to make every experience meaningful to ensure that our mature adults can continue to enjoy a quality life. Our program provides a sense of belonging and prevents the feelings of loneliness and helplessness. The program gives them the opportunity to form and maintain new relationships with other individuals with similar conditions.

— Infant-Toddler Care Program —

The infant-toddler center is designed to nurture the needs of infants as they begin to explore the world.

The program guidelines offer age appropriate learning experiences that develop the child cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. Some activities include crawling, jumping, climbing, rolling listening to music, and manipulating objects. Book, finger plays, and musical instruments are also available to enhance development, and rhythm expression.

— Pre-School Care Program —

The curriculum Project Construct and Creative Curriculum are implemented at The Learning Tree to prepare children (ages 2 - 6 years) for kindergarten experiences. These curriculums integrate strategies which encourage children to use their imagination and explore themselves and the world around them. The curriculum is also designed to build self-esteem, self-confidence and self respect.

We offer pre-school learning experiences and activities that enhance the children’s potential for growing and learning cognitive, social-emotional, physical, problem solving fine and gross motor skills, which helps them to gain confidence and builds self-respect. In addition, we provide educational experiences in reading readiness, language development, writing skills,and exposure to math, science, and music that enhances readiness for learning concepts on a higher educational level.

— Latch Key Care Program —

The Learning Tree offers a latch-key program for those students who need services before and after school. We provide homework support, recreation, and fine arts.

This program is an educational and recreational one that allows the student to receive assistance with homework, and to become engaged in an extensive Fine Arts program and other recreational activities.

For information email: info@thelearningtreecenter.org