A Place to Grow Early Learning Center in Wingate, NC Helps Children Grow Naturally

November 9, 2025

For parents, choosing the right early learning center is one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make. You want a place where your child will be safe, cared for, and inspired where their hearts and minds are nurtured.

That’s exactly what A Place to Grow – Wingate was created to do.

Where Learning Comes Naturally

At A Place to Grow, infants through five-year-old children experience a nature-based, play-focused curriculum designed to help them develop curiosity, confidence, and compassion.

“We like to say that when your child leaves our program, they’ll be the nice kid,” says owner Maureen Ord. “They’ll be kind, emotionally aware, and ready for kindergarten academically, socially, and emotionally, too.”

Each day at A Place to Grow is filled with discovery. Children spend as much time as possible outdoors, with the opportunity to explore local nature. Indoors, classrooms are calm and intentional, fostering creativity and connection.

More Than a Childcare Center

The program goes beyond traditional early learning. The team partners with local organizations like the Union County Ag Extension for hands-on learning experiences, offers music therapy and yoga, and promotes wellness through a nutrition program guided by USDA recommendations.

“It’s all about whole-child wellness,” says Maureen. “We give children space to move, express big emotions, and learn how to communicate them appropriately.”

Certified Teachers Who Love What They Do

Every lead teacher at A Place to Grow holds a North Carolina Early Childhood Certification, ensuring your child is taught by professionals who understand developmental learning. The team also maintains CPR and First Aid certification, and brings unique expertise to the classroom, from a Master Naturalist and herbalist, to a former North Carolina Zoo educator.

“I feel like I’ve built a team that genuinely loves children and the environment,” Maureen says proudly.

A Teacher Who Found Her Calling A Second Time

Before opening A Place to Grow, Maureen spent 22 years teaching middle and high school science. Over time, she missed the curiosity and hands-on learning that first drew her to education.

“When it snowed overnight or something changed in nature, I used to love exploring those moments with my students,” she says. “But modern education made that harder to do. I wanted to bring that sense of wonder back for the youngest learners.”

When Maureen discovered A Place to Grow, everything clicked. Its nature-based philosophy and focus on play and discovery perfectly aligned with her vision for how children learn best.