Hobe Sound Child Care Center

Who We Are

At the Hobe Sound Early Learning Center, we are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where children can thrive. As one of the oldest and most respected early learning centers in the region, we have been serving families for nearly 60 years. Our mission is to provide high-quality early education programs that foster a lifelong love of learning, while also promoting the social, emotional, and physical development of young children.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide families, regardless of income, an affordable early-education program that combines nurturing, education, and recreation to stimulate their children's healthy emotional and social development. We aim to help our children excel in school and life, and to empower them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Our History

The Hobe Sound Early Learning Center has a rich history that dates back to 1962. Founded by Gertrude Pettway, the center first cared for a dozen toddlers, providing quality childcare for families of limited means. Over the years, the center has grown and evolved, with the support of the local community. In 1984, a fire destroyed the center, but the community rallied together to support its revival. Today, we continue to thrive, thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our staff.

Our Programs

We offer a range of programs for children aged 1 to 5 years old, including pre-reading, pre-writing, and social-emotional skills development. Our programs are designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, while also promoting physical activity and gross motor skills. Our experienced teachers and caregivers work closely with parents and families to ensure that each child receives the support and attention they need to thrive.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of highly qualified and experienced teachers, caregivers, and support staff. Our Head of School, Ashley Azzi, oversees the administration and management of the center, while our Center Manager, Kiersten Alberto, leads our team of teachers and caregivers. Our Director of Finance, Petra Pitkonen, ensures that our financial affairs are in order, and our Director of Development, Rachel Sheperd, leads our fundraising efforts.

Our Executive Committee

Our Executive Committee is comprised of Steve Bartam and John Boyer, who serve as Co-Presidents, Lindsey Thomas, who serves as Treasurer, and Amanda Graves, who serves as Secretary. Our Board of Directors includes Anne Bent, Dr. Ken Botsford, Susan Bubla, Philip Franke, Nicolas Matsoukis, Kim Nash, John Peterson, Helen Pardoe, and Jaime Schwartz.

Our Teachers

Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for our children. Our teachers and caregivers work tirelessly to ensure that each child receives the support and attention they need to thrive.

Our Impact

At the Hobe Sound Early Learning Center, we have a profound impact on the lives of our children and families. We provide a safe and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to support their children's development, and we foster a community that values early childhood education and supports the well-being of our children and families.