Long after the concept became a staple here in Maine, Garrison is taking organic food to a new level — the youngest level. Infants, prekindergarten students and kids inbetween will eat organic food and learn from a flexible curriculum when Beansprouts Early Learning Childcare Center opens its doors later this summer at 192 Lower Main St.
Beansprouts Early Learning Childcare Center will open on Monday, July 29, with pre-K students arriving in mid-August. Dr. Tina Daigle will be the childcare director, while Garrison will cook organic food and oversee operations. Beansprouts will offer classes for five grade levels on two floors, with 12 paid staffers and practicum instructors from local colleges and universities.
Garrison, who lives in nearby Yarmouth with her husband Bryan and their two daughters, said that her infant and early toddler rooms are nearly full. Those rooms will be located downstairs while spaces for pre-K, ages 3-4 and ages 2-3 children, will be upstairs. The capacity is 67.
“People love our concept,” said Garrison, who graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a business degree in 2001. “It’s something that is so different. That early learning component is so critical. School doesn’t start at kindergarten.”
Certainly, Garrison believes the organic foods-only model will be a calling card. But food isn’t the only thing that will make Beansprouts stand out.
“We won’t have a cookie-cutter curriculum,” Garrison said. “If we’ve scheduled a class on bugs one week and the kids are interested in firetrucks, we’ll take them to the fire station. Kids will learn much more if they’re learning together.”
Sande Updegraph, executive director of the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce, likes Garrison’s approach.
“Angela has a new approach to child care,” Updegraph said. “She works with the local community as well as tourists, and wants to become very involved with the local scene.”
As Updegraph mentioned, Beansprouts will utilize local food sources. Royal River Natural Foods, Mom’s Organic Munchies, local farms and local bakeries will furnish the organic fare.
“Everything here will be organic, and freshly prepared every day,” said Garrison, who practices what she preaches. “This is immensely important to parents.”
Beansprouts features a huge refrigerator for the fresh foods — little freezer space will be needed. No plastic plates or utensils, ceramic cookware with no toxic finishes.
“We’ve got plain white plates,” Garrison said. “Fresh organic food looks so good on a white plate.”
As she spoke, Ray Labbe & Sons, Inc. marked off spots in the parking lot that will be torn up to provide a playground. Some of the pavement will remain for activities, such as tricycles, that do better on pavement.
Those interested in registering their children can call 577-6949 or log onto www.BeansproutsForMe.com.
Garrison and her staff are looking forward to a building filled with happy children, eager to learn.
“I love kids so much,” Garrison said, “and I love providing healthy environments for kids — letting them explore and letting them ask questions.
lgrard@timesrecord.com
Women in charge
¦ ANGELA GARRISON, whose Beansprouts Early Learning Childcare Center opens later this summer, is one example of Freeport businesses with innovative women at the helm.
“In the 10 months or so that I’ve been in this position, I have had the pleasure of working with some very dedicated, motivated and innovative female entrepreneurs,” says Keith McBride, executive director of the Freeport Economic Development Corp. “Their stories are as diverse as their businesses; some having moved from the corporate grind to establish the business they’ve always dreamed about running, and others who have already had successful business start-ups and are continuing to grow. It has been remarkable to work with these women and to get to know them and their businesses.”
¦ MCBRIDE PROVIDED a list of the new female entrepreneurs and their businesses, with contact information:
— The Wishful Moon, Stephanie Petkers, 504-4685
— Sweet Melissa’s Photography Studio, Melissa Albert, 522- 2602
— Cranberry Island Kitchens, Carole Ford, 415-5140
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