TGF leadership helps open the door for Little Sprouts nursery school. North Guilford Nursery School, a beloved local institution situated at the church for nearly 75 years, unexpectedly closed in July 2024. In response, The Guilford Foundation contacted Executive Director Susan Herget to explore solutions for preserving the cherished school. Seven months later, Little Sprouts Learning Center reopened at its original location.

“Child care for children five and under is critical for local families. Guilford and the nearby shoreline towns lack sufficient options, with most schools operating long waitlists,” said TGF Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. “The closing of NGNS left parents, teachers, and the parish community heartbroken, with no alternatives in North Guilford.”

TGF quickly enlisted First Selectman Matt Hoey to meet with Herget and devise a plan. Launching a new nursery school involved months of navigating state and local licensing and inspection requirements. The team secured a lease with the North Guilford Congregational Church and procured pro bono legal assistance to file for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Additionally, TGF redirected $15,000 in grant funding from NGNS to support Little Sprouts’ startup costs.

Little Sprouts opened its doors on March 3, 2025. The interior of the old parish hall has been freshly painted and rearranged to accommodate 31 children — a number based on mandated square footage and staffing ratios. Dedicated classrooms for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds are filled with books, art supplies, colorful displays, sensory experiences, and imaginative play areas. Noting that the building is over 100 years old, Herget says the worn wood floors and odd nooks and crannies give the space a quintessential New England charm, “like a Hallmark preschool movie.”

“I have 30 years of experience and have worked in rural and urban settings. Guilford is different, everyone is a cheerleader for one another,” she remarked, expressing gratitude for the support from Liza and The Guilford Foundation, Matt Hoey and the town, parents, and the broader community. “We’re proud to bring a quality preschool program back to North Guilford.”

The goals for Little Sprouts Learning Center align with what Herget knows to be the importance of early years education: allowing curiosity and creativity to flourish; encouraging independenceand self-confidence; fostering cooperation and friendship; developing a respect and love for nature; supporting physical, academic, social-emotional and language development; and creating a lifelong love of learning. Little Sprouts will offer its preschool program during the regular school year, as well as summer camp and enrichment programs.

Herget added, “Our educational philosophy is to provide a safe and nurturing environment to foster a love of learning and the natural world. Parents are welcome; we have an open-door policy for families. We know that it is a great privilege when a parent trusts you with their children.“

This story was featured in our 2024 Impact Report (published in 2025). Click here to view the report.