The Latest in Livonia

Since 1982, The Learning Tree Child Care Center has been nurturing and educating children in the Detroit Metro area with a commitment to excellence and family values. Founded by Carol Gatewood, who initially opened the center to provide reliable, quality care for her own children, The Learning Tree was born from a mother’s understanding of the challenges working parents face. Carol remains actively involved in quality assurance, mentoring her team, and ensuring each child receives outstanding care. Her passion for family has shaped the center’s warm and welcoming culture, where children, parents, and staff are treated like family members.

What began as a single location has expanded into a network of six thriving centers, with three facilities proudly serving the Livonia community. Under the leadership of Regional Directors Karen Ballard and Andrea Majewski, who benefit from Carol’s continued mentorship, The Learning Tree has maintained its founding principles while adapting to meet current childcare needs. The Livonia locations—Livonia South on Plymouth Road, Livonia West on Seven Mile Road, and Livonia North on Curtis Road—have established themselves as trusted pillars in the community, providing thorough childcare solutions for local families seeking quality early education programs.

The Learning Tree sets itself apart through its unwavering commitment to child safety and wellness. The centers feature advanced security systems, including fingerprint access that ensures only authorized individuals can enter the facilities. Surveillance cameras throughout the premises provide additional peace of mind for parents, while staff members receive thorough training in CPR, first aid, and emergency procedures. Regular safety drills prepare both children and educators for any situation, creating an environment where children can learn and grow with confidence.

Environmental consciousness is another cornerstone of The Learning Tree’s distinctive approach. The centers embrace eco-friendly practices, from using minimal plastics in classrooms to implementing cloth napkins and real dishes during meals. As innovators in childcare sanitation, The Learning Tree was the first to utilize the innovative ZONO-Machine, which sanitizes and disinfects materials daily to minimize germ spread. Other green initiatives include organic gardens, environmentally friendly cleaning products, and Young Living essential oil diffusers. These practices not only create healthier spaces but also instill environmental awareness in children from an early age.

The Learning Tree offers thoughtfully designed programs that address the unique developmental needs of children at every stage. For the youngest children, the Infant Program provides individualized care for babies from 6 weeks to 12 months, focusing on creating strong, trusting relationships between caregivers and infants. The Toddler Program serves children 12 months to 2.5 years, emphasizing independence, communication, and social skills through consistent yet flexible routines. As children grow, they progress through age-appropriate preschool programs for 2-3 year olds and 3-4 year olds, with each curriculum building upon previous foundations.

For older children, The Learning Tree offers a thorough Pre-K Program that serves as the perfect bridge to kindergarten, developing essential academic and social skills. The center also provides the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), a state-funded preschool option for eligible 4-year-olds at no cost to families. School-age children benefit from before and after-school programs that balance homework help with creative activities and outdoor play. During summer months, the active Summer Camp Program keeps children aged 5-12 engaged with weekly themes, creative projects, and memorable adventures—all available at Livonia locations.

Each of The Learning Tree’s three Livonia locations offers a warm and inviting environment designed with children’s needs in mind. The Livonia South center on Plymouth Road, Livonia West on Seven Mile Road, and Livonia North on Curtis Road are strategically positioned to serve families throughout the community. These intentionally designed facilities feature spacious classrooms, engaging play areas, and outdoor spaces that encourage exploration and physical activity. Parents often comment on the bright and cheerful atmospheres that greet them and their children each day.

Behind every successful program at The Learning Tree is a team of dedicated and passionate educators who bring expertise and warmth to each interaction. These professionals go beyond traditional teaching roles to create nurturing environments where children feel valued and inspired to grow. Parents stay connected to their child’s experiences through interactive reports delivered via the Procare app, which includes daily photos and real-time updates. This commitment to communication ensures parents never miss important moments in their child’s development, fostering a true partnership between home and school that benefits each child’s educational journey at The Learning Tree Child Care Center.