Hello!  My name is Heather.  I am the owner of The Growing Patch at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Dade City, FL.  I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement for Reading K-12.  I have 18 years of teaching experience (Kindergarten and First Grade) and now I have been teaching classes at The Growing Patch for 3 years.  

About Us
The Growing Patch is a warm and welcoming child learning center, dedicated to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in young children. Located at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, our center provides engaging, hands-on educational experiences designed for children ages 18 months to 8 years — all alongside their caregivers.

Our Programs
We offer a variety of enrichment opportunities to support early learning and homeschool families, including:
Toddler Time – A joyful introduction to learning through stories, music, movement, and sensory play.
STEM Classes – Exciting science, technology, engineering, and math activities that spark critical thinking and discovery.
Homeschool Enrichment – Creative, structured classes that complement homeschool curriculums through hands-on projects and social interaction.
Holiday & Seasonal Specials – Themed classes celebrating special occasions with crafts, experiments, stories, and fun seasonal surprises.

Our Philosophy
At The Growing Patch, we believe that children learn best through play, exploration, and connection. Our classes are designed for children to attend with a caregiver, creating shared experiences that strengthen bonds and foster a lifelong love of learning.