NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter to the editor. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here.
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After 45 wonderful years, Toddlertime is closing its doors, and we want to express our deepest gratitude to all the families who have walked through our doors and filled our lives with joy.
As owners and directors, it has been an absolute privilege to educate, care for, and support your children and families. Watching so many little ones grow, thrive, and continue their educational journeys—many now graduating high school or attending college—has brought us immense joy and pride.
Toddlertime has been honored to serve the New Canaan community since 1980. As long-time residents of New Canaan while owning and operating this preschool, we have come to understand the true meaning and value of community. Through partnerships with local businesses and cherished field trips, we were able to expand our reach and give children opportunities to learn and explore in unique and exciting ways.
Over the years, Toddlertime became a home for many remarkable teachers. Together, we built strong teaching teams dedicated to providing developmentally appropriate lessons while fostering safe, fun, and meaningful learning experiences. Each teacher brought their own unique talents and passion, leaving an unforgettable mark on the lives of countless children. They are an essential part of Toddlertime’s legacy.
Though it is bittersweet to close our doors, we are confident Toddlertime will be remembered as more than just a school. It was a place that nurtured children and enabled friendships to blossom, created lasting friendships among families, and built lasting bonds among teachers. These cherished memories will stay with us for a lifetime.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. As we bid farewell to Toddlertime, we hope we can all hold onto the happy memories we created together over these many years.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Carolyn Williams and Barbara Davis
Dear Carolyn and Barbara,
Thank you for leaving a lasting impression on Kimber’s life (and JD and Katelyn as well through Karen and Andy Veitch and Sue Stoller). So hard for me as well because TT holds a special place in my heart. My eldest child’s first day of school as a two year old was at Toddler Time on 9/11/ 2001 under the director, Karen Veitch. On a delayed opening, the school welcomed in the children with smiles on their faces and offered a comforting and loving learning environment for our youngest during a rough time for so many in this community. Toddler Time became like a second home to our children and us parents. They grieved along with us, while maintaining normalcy for our young children. The teachers at TT were like family and supported us in raising our children. After Karen’s sudden passing, Toddler Time blossomed under Carolyn and Barbara’s leadership. Starting in 2015, I was fortunate enough to experience the environment again under their leadership, as I had another child to go through Toddler Time. She couldn’t wait to enter through those double doors every day to see what she would get to create to bring home to mom and dad. I have several closets filled with art from TT over the years that is too good for me to toss! She has incredible memories of Carolyn, Barbara and her teachers. Thank you for inviting her back after she graduated at age 5 as “entertainment” because she especially loved dressing up as a princess and holding sing-a-longs with the students. It was some of her first experiences of “being on stage”. You have given 15 years of your time, energy, compassion and love to this community and I am grateful. Best of luck in your new ventures, but please know that, Carolyn and Barbara, you will be missed, warmly greeting the parents and children at the double doors of Toddler Time. With fond memories, Helen
Carolyn and Barbara,
Running Toddlertime for so many wonderful years is quite an accomplishment! The impact you have made on so many children and families in town is priceless. Your commitment, leadership and heart for nurturing deserves the highest praise. Congratulations on a job well done!
Carolyn & Barbara:
Your hard work and dedication to Toddler Time has not gone unnoticed in our community. You provided 16 years of a nurturing and positive environment to help young children develop confidence, be creative and have fun learning new things. Much gratitude for your encouragement, guidance and concern for their safety. People wanted to move to NC to attend Toddler Time. TY for your heartfelt impact!
Carolyn and Barbara,
Toddlertime will always have a very special place in my heart and the hearts of so many who have been part of its magic over the years.
Thank you both for your tireless efforts, care, enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to the many children, staff, and families over the years.
It’s a very bittersweet ending and closing of doors as Toddlertime truly was a home away from home in so many ways for us all.
Cheers to you for all you created and built, it will never be forgotten.
The impact and memories of Toddlertime will carry on in those of us who were fortunate enough to be part of its magic over the years.
What a wonderful legacy you are leaving behind.
Thank you both so very much