Early childhood is a time of remarkable brain development. The education that children receive during these years creates the foundation for their future growth, development and learning potential. At The Learning Experience®, we are dedicated to cultivating creative, compassionate and innovative young minds through our proprietary curriculum and enrichment programs that increase learning during six critical stages of early development. Our programs have been built to help children maximize their cognitive, physical and social potential. Or as we say at TLE®, we help children "learn, play and grow!" We believe that how children learn is as important as what they learn, that's why our educational programs are designed to inspire children's love of learning through hands-on lessons that make their educational experience fun! Daily lessons promote positive engagement throughout the day and include phonics, sign language, manners and etiquette, philanthropy, foreign language and hands-on technology. Enrichment programs such as yoga, soccer, drama, dance and music are also offered at no additional cost. Whether you have an inquisitive infant, tenacious toddler or passionate preschooler, put your child on the path to success and discover how we help children reach their full potential at The Learning Experience®!
Meet Our Team
Kathleen Carter
Assistant Director
- Joined on: March 1st, 2010
- Years in Industry: 20
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Education
- Bachelors in Early Childhood/Special Education
I graduated from Springfield College with a BA in Early Education/Special Education. I have been with The Learning Experience for 8 years. I originally started as a teacher in our Prepper classroom then started to work in our Preschool 2 classroom shortly after. After being a Preschool 2 teacher for 6 years I am now the Center Director. I am looking forward to working with the children and our families of TLE and watching them grow!
Shital Patel
Owner / Center Director
- Joined on: September 1st, 2016
- Years in Industry: 15
I graduated from Nichols College with a B.A. in Psychology. After graduating college, I accepted a teaching position at a Nursery school and quickly realized that my true passion is working with children. During this time, I went back to school to receive my master’s in Education. I have over 15 years of experience in childcare and spent 10 of those years working as a Center Director. I have worked for non-profit and profit centers and I am truly am passionate about running a quality, educational, and fun center. I had 2 boys of my own who have grown in my centers with me. I understand what it means to be a parent and find a childcare center you feel comfortable leaving your child at. I strive to give all my families that comfortable feeling knowing that your child will be well taken care of. I invite you to come visit my center and see how your child could learn, play, & grow!
Allison Emery
Business Manager
- Joined on: October 1st, 2007
- Years in Industry: 13
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Education
- Bachelors in Elementary Education
I graduated from Anna Maria College with a B.A. in Elementary Education. I started to work for The Learning Experience in 2007 in New Jersey as a Business Manager. Years later, I moved to CT and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay with The Learning Experience as a Business Manager. Ten years later, I still love waking up each morning knowing that I am going to be surrounded by these little faces who are so eager to learn something new every day. I have a 5 year old daughter who participated in our Preschool program and is now exceeding in Kindergarten. I am forever grateful that my child was able to experience the outstanding program and environment of The Learning Experience.
Melissa Palmieri
Assistant Director
- Joined on: November 20th, 2017
- Years in Industry: 5
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Education
- Southern CT State University- Early Childhood Education
My name is Melissa Palmieri and I am the Assistant Director/Curriculum Specialist. I have been with The Learning Experience since November 2017. I attended Southern CT State University for Early Childhood Education. I started as an infant teacher and worked my way up. I have a 6 year old daughter who loves to attend the center when she is off from school. I have always enjoyed working with children and I am so glad that I have this opportunity to work with each different age group and assisting the teachers within the classrooms. I look forward to seeing what my journey has in store for at The Learning Experience.
Recognition and Awards
Center of Excellence Award
2015
Center of Excellence Award
2016
Center of Excellence Award
2017
Bubbles' Bugle Latest Edition
Volume 1 Issue 11
Winter 2016
Your source for TLE® News, Parenting Information and Tips, and Children's Activities
What our parents are saying about us…
“My three year old son currently attends TLE in Cromwell and my older son is a TLE graduate (he is 8 now), so we have essentially been at the center everyday for over 5 years. I am so grateful for the tremendous care TLE and their wonderful staff provides. It's a clean, inviting, and cheerful atmosphere, but more importantly, the staff is caring and attentive. They have always treated my children as their own. The center provides a fantastic curriculum. The kids not only learn the basics, but are exposed to things like sign language, yoga, sensory based activities, art, music, etc. My son loves being there and I know he's being given lots of love, attention, opportunities for play, and academic enrichment. The teachers and managers have always been very communicative and really get to know each child. Even teachers from other classrooms know all the kids- it's a friendly place. I highly recommend this center. It is definitely on the higher end in terms of price, but it is well...(Read More)”
—Amy Raccagni“My son has been attending the center for almost a year now. He's had amazing teachers within the two classes he's been in. They over communicate with me on a daily basis, provide him with the love and attention he needs, and treat him like he's there own. I feel very comfortable with the center and I know if anything comes up, they call me right away. I cannot rave enough about TLE in Cromwell, CT. The owner Shatal is amazing. She is always there when I pick up ( which you do not find with many owners) and any questions I have, she always answer. I looked many centers within the area and this one stuck out the most. Anyone looking for a center in the area should check this out!! Thank you TLE for taking care of my son!. We cannot thank you enough!!!!”
—Melissa Carta“Both of my girls have gone here for the last three years. My oldest graduated two years ago and my youngest recently graduated (what a sweet graduation ceremony!) We will be sad once Summer Camp ends and Kindergarten starts in the fall. Amaya is 100% ready for Kindergarten due to the curriculum, even at her a younger-age entry into Kindergarten. We love the staff in Cromwell!”
—Stacy Schoen“My kinds have been going to TLE for the past 3 years.Every teacher they have had has been phenomenal. The staff at TLE are all professional and compassionate. The curriculum is amazing, they even learn sign language and Spanish. The center is very clean and organized. ”
—Jen“I have twin girls who have been attending since they were 3 months old. The staff is awesome. You can tell they really do enjoy having my kids there. My kids always have smiles on their faces in the pictures I receive throughout the day. The facility is clean and well maintained. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone looking for a daycare.”
—Katie Trzcinski
