Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool to open new center July 10 in west Massillon

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·2 min read
Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool Director Nicole Muntean (left) and owner Carolyn Denaro talk Tuesday about the expansion of the business to the west side of Massillon. A second Little Sprouts center is slated to open July 10 at 212 Lincoln Way W, which is the former home to Huntington Bank.
Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool Director Nicole Muntean (left) and owner Carolyn Denaro talk Tuesday about the expansion of the business to the west side of Massillon. A second Little Sprouts center is slated to open July 10 at 212 Lincoln Way W, which is the former home to Huntington Bank.

MASSILLON – Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool is planning to grow, adding a site on the city's west side by mid-summer.

The daycare center at 310 Lincoln Way E is expanding with a second facility at the former Huntington Bank building at 2112 Lincoln Way W. The projected opening date at the new center is July 10.

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"It's an exciting time for us," said owner Carolyn Denaro, noting that her mother, Betty Baucom, opened the business in 1991. "We know there's a need locally, because many child centers have shut down (post-COVID 19)."

Lead Teacher Brianna Youmans (right) leads a class Tuesday at Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool in downtown Massillon. The business is expanding to a second facility in the summer.
Lead Teacher Brianna Youmans (right) leads a class Tuesday at Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool in downtown Massillon. The business is expanding to a second facility in the summer.

Here are five things to know about Little Sprouts in Massillon and its expansion, as explained by Denaro and center Director Nicole Muntean:

How many kids can be enrolled at Little Sprouts West?

"We can take up to 60 (new) kids – from 6 weeks to 12 years old – and have about 10 spots spoken for now," said Denaro, noting that Little Sprouts at 310 Lincoln Way E has around 70 children presently enrolled.

What are some daily activities available for children at Little Sprouts?

Two-year-old Isabella Heston (right) works on a project Tuesday in the Young Toddlers room at Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool in Massillon.
Two-year-old Isabella Heston (right) works on a project Tuesday in the Young Toddlers room at Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool in Massillon.

Muntean said routine offerings include, but are not limited to, breakfast, singing and coloring time, pre-kindergarten writing, lunch, nap time, playground activities and dance and art classes.

What makes Little Spouts unique among daycare centers?

"We have no screen (cellphone, computer or technology) time," Denaro said. "Everything is hands-on. We're a happy place and happy family."

How many jobs will be available at Little Sprouts West?

Ava Hansen (left) and Kaylee Hahn, both 3 years old, color a picture on Tuesday at Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool in Massillon.
Ava Hansen (left) and Kaylee Hahn, both 3 years old, color a picture on Tuesday at Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool in Massillon.

There will be eight to 10 new positions. Some may be part-time, Denaro said. The business presently employs nine workers at its Lincoln Way E center.

Is there any activity ongoing at the new Little Sprouts locale?

Yes. A $50,000 remodeling effort is underway to upgrade the new facility's interior and to add a playground, Denaro said. All work should be completed by the scheduled July 10 opening.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Little Sprouts Daycare & Preschool set for expansion to west Massillon