About Kinderbook Children’s Center

A place where curiosity, care and community come together. 

Our Story

Kinderbook Children’s Center began with a simple belief: that children thrive when they feel known, loved, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

For More Than Two Decades

Since 1997, our centers in Plainville and Norwood have welcomed families seeking an early learning environment that balances warmth with purpose — where each child’s milestones are celebrated and their individuality is honored.

From our earliest days, Kinderbook’s vision has been to offer the quality of a structured preschool with the heart of a home. Our classrooms are lively, nurturing spaces where children grow through play, discovery, and meaningful relationships with teachers who truly care.

“Every child deserves to start school feeling confident, capable, and curious. That’s what we work toward every single day.”

Our Philosophy

At Kinderbook, learning happens everywhere — in a story circle, a sensory bin, or a giggle-filled game of tag. Our teachers design lessons guided by the Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines and personalized to each age and stage of development. We believe in:

  • Whole-child learning: Developing the mind, heart, and body equally.

  • Purposeful play: Encouraging exploration, imagination, and social connection.

  • Family partnership: Open communication and collaboration between teachers and parents.

  • Inclusion & respect: Creating a safe, supportive environment for every child and family.

Each day is built around discovery exploring new materials, building friendships, learning independence, and finding joy in small accomplishments.

Our Teachers

Our teachers are the heart of Kinderbook. Many have been with us for years, helping shape the warm, family-oriented atmosphere our families know and love.

Each classroom is led by educators who meet or exceed state licensing requirements and who receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education, safety, and social-emotional learning.

What makes Kinderbook teachers special is their balance of professionalism and heart. They create classrooms that feel like an extension of home — with laughter, kindness, and structure that helps children feel both safe and inspired to try new things.

Meet Our Teachers

  • Kristen Auciello

    Lead Pre-k Teacher/ Assistant Director

  • Lauren Anthony

    Toddler Teacher

  • Kelly McNamara

    Toddler Teacher

  • Varsha Patel

    Assistant Teacher

  • Jill Reynolds

    Toddler/Preschool Teacher Float

  • Joyca Costa

    Lead Pre-K Teacher

  • Brianna Hood

    Assistant Teacher

  • Alecia Lardiere

    Assistant Teacher

  • Melissa "Missy" Freel

    Infant Teacher

  • Zoe Faria

    Assistant Teacher

  • Kendall Crowley

    Toddler Teacher

  • Nancy McGowan

    Preschool Teacher

  • Cynthia "Cyndi" Benedetti

    Preschool Teacher

  • Pamela Keville

    Lead Preschool Teacher

  • Rachel Burgess

    Infant Teacher

  • Calle Collett

    Pre-K Teacher

  • Liliana "Lily" Yepes

    Infant Teacher

  • Katie Rusas

    Director

Our Classrooms
& Curriculum

Our classrooms are designed for hands-on learning. Teachers plan activities aligned with Massachusetts Early Learning Standards, emphasizing play-based discovery that builds skills for school readiness and lifelong learning.

  • Infants & Toddlers: Safe, responsive environments that nurture sensory development, communication, and trust.

  • Preschool: Center-based activities that build early literacy, numeracy, and collaboration.

  • Pre-K: Project-based learning that prepares children for kindergarten with confidence and curiosity.

  • Enrichment: Weekly music, science, and movement programs add even more excitement to the learning journey.

Every activity from finger painting to building with magnet tiles is intentional. It’s learning disguised as fun.

Our Classrooms
& Curriculum

Kinderbook is more than a school — it’s a community of families, teachers, and friends who grow together.

We believe communication and partnership between parents and teachers is essential, which is why we use Brightwheel to keep families connected with real-time updates, photos, and progress reports.

Many of our families have been part of Kinderbook for years — enrolling younger siblings, volunteering for events, and recommending us to friends. That continuity is what makes Kinderbook feel like a family, not just a center.