Learn About Us
Our Philosophy
It is our philosophy to provide families with the highest quality of care, where hands- on learning experiences are used to help develop the growing mind. The center is based on a concept of using scaffolding as a tool for development. Meaning that to help little learners achieve independence, we must first accomplish smaller tasks that are more manageable to work up to, then do the larger tasks through collaboration with peers and teachers. The center is also largely based on theorists John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky, who believed children need hands on activities to learn through their environments by doing.
Curriculum and Learning
Hands to Minds Early Learning Center implements the Highscope Curriculum as well as Learning Without Tears: Get Set for School Curriculum. We believe in using research-based curriculum with a history of success in educating young minds. Highscope keeps active learning at the center of the curriculum with a foundation of observation, adult-child interactions, routines, and learning environments as areas of focus. This curriculum guides our early educators in providing high-quality programs to your students while also allowing our teachers to institute creativity within their lesson plan. Learning Without Tears was developed by an occupational therapist who created a developmentally appropriate program that meets the child where they are in their current development and helps them grow within their foundational skills to prepare them for Kindergarten.
Our Team
Our team embodies the character traits of educators who share a passion for quality early education. Our staff are life-long learners who participate in training and continued education opportunities. Each of our staff members are CPR and First-Aid certified and participate in additional safety courses.
A Note From the Owner & Director
My name is Taylor Spaulding-Cain, and I am the owner and director of Hands to Minds Early Learning Center, located in the heart of Burlington, Kentucky. As a lifelong Northern Kentucky resident, I am proud to serve the community I have always called home and to provide families in the area with the quality early childhood education and care they deserve.
I have a lifelong love of learning and enjoy sharing that passion through early childhood education. I believe a quality education starts with the foundational early childhood years, when children are developing the skills, confidence, and curiosity that will shape their future. At Hands to Minds, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and creating an environment where children feel safe, loved, supported, and excited to learn.
My passion for early childhood education comes from years of experience teaching in both public and privately owned early childhood facilities. Through those experiences, I developed the knowledge, skills, and educational philosophy necessary to create the quality care our community needs and deserves.
Above all, I am also a mother. Being a mom has given me an even deeper understanding of the trust families place in their childcare providers. I know firsthand how important it is to find a place where your children are not only cared for, but truly known, valued, and loved. That perspective influences every decision I make at Hands to Minds and is a driving force behind my commitment to creating the kind of center I would want for my own children.
Hands to Minds is more than a childcare center to me—it is a reflection of my passion for children, education, and the Northern Kentucky community I am proud to call home.
A Note From the Co-Director
My name is Katie Parker, and I am the Co-Director at Hands to Minds Early Learning Center. I am so excited to be joining Hands to Minds Early Learning Center! I was raised in the Northern Kentucky area, where I am currently raising my two children with my husband, and two dogs! We love spending time outdoors and watching our kids play soccer and baseball. I have over twenty years of experience in the childcare industry! Working with children to provide them a safe and educational environment is my passion! I can't wait to work with the families in our community to provide high quality early childhood education and care as the Co-Director!