Heartworks Essex Center Road

Essex Center Road
51 Center Road, Essex, VT 05482
(802) 871-3376
Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Infant, toddler, preschool, early education & daycare in Essex, VT

Heartworks in Essex, VT provides year-round early childhood education rooted in curiosity, discovery, and research-based teaching practices. Serving preschool-aged children in the greater Essex community, our program blends the trusted Heartworks approach with an intentional focus on hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. Families seeking high-quality preschool in Essex, VT value our commitment to nurturing the whole child while preparing students with the foundational skills they need for kindergarten and beyond.

Curiosity-Driven Learning in Essex

Our Essex classrooms are thoughtfully designed to spark wonder and encourage active exploration. Through engaging, project-based experiences, children are introduced to foundational concepts in problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Whether experimenting with simple science materials, exploring patterns and early math concepts, building structures, or expressing ideas through art, children learn by doing.

Led by a knowledgeable and experienced team of early childhood educators, our program balances structure with imagination. Teachers bring deep expertise in child development along with a genuine passion for guiding young learners. By creating emotionally safe, responsive classroom environments, they ensure children feel confident asking questions, testing ideas, and embracing challenges.

A Whole-Child, Research-Based Approach

At the heart of our Essex preschool program is our Sustainable Education® philosophy, grounded in research on how young children learn best. We believe emotional safety comes first—children thrive academically when they feel secure, connected, and valued. Through responsive relationships and intentional instruction, our educators support cognitive growth alongside social-emotional development.

Hands-on exploration is woven into the daily rhythm of the classroom. Children strengthen early literacy, language, and math skills through inquiry-based learning experiences that encourage observation, prediction, experimentation, and reflection. Collaboration and communication are emphasized, helping children build confidence, empathy, and independence as they prepare for the transition to elementary school.

Connected to the Essex Community

Essex, VT is known for its strong schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and convenient access to Burlington, Williston, and surrounding communities. With its blend of residential charm and growing business districts, Essex is home to families who value both innovation and community connection. Our preschool program reflects those values by offering a forward-thinking approach to early education within a warm, relationship-based environment.

Families seeking preschool in Essex, VT appreciate our year-round consistency, experienced educators, and commitment to meaningful, curiosity-driven learning. We are proud to serve the Essex community and honored to partner with families during these important early years of growth and discovery.

Take a Tour of Heartworks Essex Center Road

Come see our classrooms, meet our team, and experience how we create joyful early learning every day.

Preschool Hi

Early childhood education programs & specials at our Essex daycare

Outdoor playgrounds

Our outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed with safety in mind and room to grow. Each playground is carefully sized and tailored to a specific age group, supporting safe play, physical development, and social connection at every stage.

HW Playground

Music & movement

Children enjoy regular engaging, age-appropriate music enrichment experiences that encourage rhythm, listening skills, and creative expression while building confidence and joy through music and movement.

Mr. Liam Music

Nature stations

Nature stations bring the natural world indoors through hands-on exploration of materials and seasonal changes, sparking curiosity, observation, and environmental awareness.

Preschool Nature Play

Seed & Sew

As S.E.E.D.–certified schools (Schools Excelling in Emotional Development), we prioritize emotional intelligence, meaningful connection, and resilience from the very start. SEED empowers both educators and parents to build supportive environments where children and the adults around them can flourish.

Seed & Sew Certified School Logo

Meet the Heartworks Essex Center Road daycare leadership team

School Director

Amy Veilleux

With Heartworks Since 2003

Amy has been part of the Heartworks community since 2003, beginning her career as a classroom teacher in Williston. She advanced into leadership roles and became School Director in 2019, serving at the Essex Center Road location. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Champlain College and a Step Two Director Credential in Vermont. Her long-standing experience supports strong leadership, program oversight, and a commitment to high‑quality early childhood education.

Essex ED
Assistant Director

Tess Bugbee

5+ Years in Early Education

Tess earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Studio Art from Castleton University. She joined STEAMworks in 2021 as an Assistant Toddler Teacher and later served as a Pre‑Kindergarten Teacher for two years. Tess advanced into the role of Assistant Director and has since obtained her Step One Director Credential. Her progression reflects a strong commitment to early childhood education and continued professional growth within the Heartworks community.

Essex AD

Infant, toddler, preschool, early education & daycare in Essex, VT

We welcome infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Each program is thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are developmentally and support them as they grow.

Yes. Our infant program enrolls children starting at 6 weeks old, including care for 6-month-olds. Families choose Essex Center Road for its warm, relationship-based approach to infant care.

Yes. Our toddler classrooms encourage movement, hands-on learning, and social development. These programs help children build confidence and independence in a supportive setting.

Tuition varies based on your child’s age, program, and schedule. We’re happy to walk you through your options and help you find a plan that fits your needs.

Yes. We offer both full-time and part-time schedules so families can choose the option that works best for them.

We serve nutritious, age-appropriate snacks that support healthy development. Our food practices emphasize balance, variety, and positive mealtime experiences that encourage lifelong healthy habits.

We maintain developmentally appropriate classroom sizes in accordance with Vermont’s early education regulations to ensure each child receives individual attention and strong support. Infant classrooms: up to 8 children with 2 teachers (2:8), Toddler classrooms: up to 10 children with 2 teachers (2:10), Preschool classrooms: up to 20 children with 2 teachers (2:20), Pre-K classrooms: up to 20 children with 2 teachers (2:20). These ratios ensure children receive individualized attention, strong support, and consistent, nurturing care.

Yes. Our school is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to support your work schedule and provide your child with a full day of engaging, nurturing care.

We offer bi-weekly music classes, giving children opportunities to explore rhythm, movement, and early musical concepts in a joyful, developmentally supportive environment.

We host regular events that help families connect with teachers, meet one another, and celebrate children’s learning and growth.

Location & Directions to Our Essex Center Road Preschool

Heartworks Essex Center Road
51 Center Road, Essex, VT 05482

Other Heartworks Schools Near Essex Center Road, VT

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HW Essex Pinecrest 2
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4.4mi - 134 Blair Park Road, Williston, VT 05495
Williston
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7.5mi - 102 Lake Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Burlington Location