Montpelier’s Beloved Turtle Island Children’s Center In Need Of New Location After 30 Years On Elm Street

Montpelier, Vermont. February 20, 2025  – After unexpectedly learning that their current location at 659 Elm Street in Montpelier will no longer be available beyond summer 2025, Turtle Island Children’s Center, the largest early childhood education provider in Central Vermont, is urgently seeking a new home. 

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Founded 42 years ago, Turtle Island is a non-profit organization that currently serves 70 children across 55 families and employs 28 Early Childhood Educators. Its nature-based curriculum encourages hands-on exploration and environmental stewardship, which is made possible by expansive outdoor spaces at their current home. Nestled between North Branch Nature Center and Hubbard Park, the site has been integral to fostering a love for nature and creativity among children since the center moved to Elm Street in 1990. 

Despite the tight timeline, Turtle Island remains committed to finding a space that upholds its educational values, supports its longstanding connection with the community, and ensures that quality childcare remains accessible and affordable for families. “We are committed to the continuity of the school’s program and the well-being of the community. Classes will continue as usual and there are no plans for Turtle Island to close,” shared Mark La Rosa, President of Turtle Island’s Board. “As we navigate this transition, we are encouraged by the overwhelming support from our community. Together, we are confident that we can secure a new location that not only meets our needs but also allows Turtle Island to expand and thrive for decades to come.” 

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“Our outdoor, nature-based curriculum is the heart of our mission,” expressed Jocelyn York, Executive Director of Turtle Island Children’s Center. “Finding a new location with ample green space where we can continue to inspire environmental stewardship and creativity is not just a necessity but vital to expanding our program and impact in the community.”
 

The school’s current space has long been a hub for unstructured play and outdoor learning, shaping its identity and developmental goals. While replicating this unique environment in a new setting presents challenges, the Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to locating a site that embodies Turtle Island’s fundamental principles of creativity, environmental stewardship, and social accountability. Additionally, the new space must support long-term financial sustainability, ensuring tuition remains manageable for families while maintaining the high standards of early childhood education. Since the expansion of Act 76, 38% of the school’s enrolled children participate in Vermont's Childcare Financial Assistance Program, helping families cover childcare costs.

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“Washington County currently has a shortage of 1,178 childcare spaces to meet the demand. It is so important that Turtle Island families don’t become a part of that statistic. Finding a new home for the Center that maintains this critical service and allows it to expand to support even more families is imperative to building up Vermont’s workforce and our local economy.” Says parent, Tara Byrne. 

With strong community backing, Turtle Island is optimistic about this next chapter and looks forward to building a future that continues to inspire young learners for generations to come.The center invites the Montpelier community to join them in this new and important chapter. They are actively seeking property leads, expertise in real estate and fundraising, and financial contributions to support their relocation efforts.