"Thank you to everyone that has taught and influenced my little girl, I have always been pleased with the care that you all have provided."

        8/20/10 M.M. 

Program:

We, here at Ready Set Grow, believe that the first years of a child's development are the most important. These years lay the foundation for the rest of their lives. We understand the difficulties in introducing a child to a brand new environment. We intend to shower your child with love, hugs, and lots of positive attention that will ease this transition. With the use of our social and emotional skills, that we teach along side the Frog Street Press curriculum, each child is allowed to discover their own independence and individuality. Each classroom is designed with specified centers and teaching tools to aid in milestone development while still having fun!

Teachers: 

Each year, every staff member of Ready Set Grow takes 12 extended education hours in the care of young children. These classes are how we, as caregivers, stay on top of our professional growth. They also help keep us aware of changes in our career field. We are also required to have 3 hours in Health & Safety training and all staff members at Ready Set Grow are CPR/First Aid Certified.

Baby Bungalow- 6 weeks to one year

Placing your newborn in childcare can be a very emotional time for both baby and parent. As mothers ourselves we understand the anxiety that a new mother feels each time she must separate from her newborn. Our teachers try to soothe this anxious time through parent/teacher communication. Phone calls are welcome at anytime of the day to check on your infant. Our infants are allowed to have their own schedules this in turn makes for a very stress free environment for the babies. The infants are surrounded with developmentally appropriate materials to help develop milestones such as holding their head up, rolling over, sitting independently, pulling up, and walking.

Frogs Classroom - 12 to 24 months

Your child will be making a transition from infant to toddler. This is a very exciting time for your little one, as they are growing and needing more stimulation and activity in their daily routine. Your child will be introduced and taught milestones such as: napping on a mat, self feeding with a spoon, drinking from a sippy sup, social interaction by sharing and group activities, and self expression through our Frogstreet Curriculum.

Caterpillar Classroom- 1-2 year olds

Your child will be making the transition from toddler to two! This is a very exciting time for your child, as they are full of curiosity and enthusiasm. Your child will be introduced and taught milestones such as: napping on a mat, drinking from a cup, potty training and social interaction by sharing and group activities. They will also begin the Frog Street Press curriculum: Shapes, colors, alphabet, and numbers. 

Monkey Classroom- 2/3 year olds

Your child will continue the Frog Street Press curriculum learning: concepts using shapes and colors; begin to recognize and trace their name; they will learn to recognize and count number 1-15; and the alphabet will be taken to the next level with recognition and what sound letters make. This will be the building blocks to advance later in our pre-k program.

Bumblebee (Pre-Kindergarten) Classroom- 4 year olds

Public school is approaching quickly therefore our pre-k class will bring your child to the next level of learning and growing. They will continue the Frog Street Press curriculum: learning concepts using shapes and colors; begin to write their name; learn to recognize, count, and write numbers 1-30. The alphabet will be expanded upon through phonics and blending to help aid in reading later in the school year. This will be the building blocks to excel later in public school.

Director

My name is Shelby Cole; I have been a part of the Ready Set Grow family for almost 8 years. When I first began at Ready Set Grow I was the teacher in our two year old classroom. After a few years, I moved into the administrative position alongside Ms. Melissa. Over the last two years, I have been in the position of Director here at the facility. I am the mother of two children who have attended RSG since they were both 6 weeks old. My oldest is 7 years old and my youngest is 5 years old. I chose this profession because I have always enjoyed watching children grow. One of my biggest highlights of working here has been watching the development the children make from the time they start to the time they begin school. I education in the field is obtaining my Child Development Associate Credential through Southwest Louisiana Community College in 2018, my Louisiana State Department of Education Ancillary and my Toddler CLASS Observer certification. I am currently working towards my Infant and PreK CLASS Observer certifications through the Calcasieu Parish School Board. I am dedicated to learning and continuing to grow in the Early Childhood field so that I am constantly giving back to the children here at Ready Set Grow.

Owner

Hi my name is Melissa Bertrand; I am a 26 year veteran in the field of Early Childhood Education. My first 10 years was dedicated to teaching two year olds, along with additional age groups birth to 13 years of age. I made a move to RSG in 2005 to become the manager of the facility, managed RSG for 10 years and purchased RSG in 2015. During the 26 years, I became the mother of two beautiful children and recently welcomed my first grandson into the world. I obtained a Child Development Associate, Ancillary Certificate, & Administrative Credential over these years and with hard work a perseverance in 2021 I graduated from Northwestern State University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology with concentration in Child & Family Studies. I believe the first years of a child's development are the most important. These years lay the foundation for the rest of their lives. My passion is guiding children through these early stages of development. I believe we are all given a purpose in life and I am blessed to get to fulfill this passion through my work and my facility working with the little ones in our community.