red clover children's center

Red Clover Children's Center is a child care center in Middlebury, VT for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years old. Red Clover is housed within The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC. Visit to learn more or learn about enrollment, visit their website here.

about red clover children's center

Red Clover Children's Center's (RCCC) philosophy is that play is children’s work. RCCC is committed to the care of infants and toddlers that respects diverse culture, lifestyles, preferences, abilities, learning styles and needs of children and families in a safe and healthy environment. 


It is RCCC's belief that children develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally through play-based learning, and our teachers will nurture and encourage the developmental growth of each child through observation and interactive teaching. 


The role of RCCC's teachers is to be secure and supportive mentors who form empathetic connections with each child, and teachers will guide them to their potential while setting healthy limits. RCCC provides children with classrooms that are comfortable and homelike where they are safe and free to explore. 


Red Clover Children's Center is housed within The Congregational Church of Middlebury, United Church of Christ (MiddUCC), but the church does not oversee or manage the RCCC. RCCC staff and board members coordinate and communicate closely with MiddUCC leadership to ensure a positive sharing of the mutual space. We are grateful for this partnership!

meet Rccc's founding director!

September 2023


Hello! My name is Tessa Dearborn and I am incredibly excited to be joining the Congregational Church of Middlebury community and the team at Red Clover Children's Center! As a native Vermonter and resident of Addison County, I understand the importance of a connected community and the amazing things a group of like-minded, caring community members can achieve. 


When I learned about RCCC and its mission to contribute to early education in Middlebury and the surrounding areas, I was moved and eager to learn more. This mission connects both my professional passion and my values in giving to the greater good! I am honored and so grateful for the opportunity to join as the Director and be able to contribute to a cause and community that I believe so strongly in. 


I have been in early childhood education for over a decade and understand the immensely important role it plays in the well-being of children and families. I am so excited to be part of bringing more high-quality care and education to the youngest learners in our community and to lead a team of educators who are valued and respected for the critical work that they do. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Dan, and our daughter, Millie. We love being outside and staying busy enjoying all the wonderful things our little state has to offer! 



I look forward to building relationships within this community, and connecting with you all as RCCC continues to bloom! 


email Tessa at tessa@redcloverchildren.org

want to help?

  • Donate to Red Clover Children's Center here.  You can donate in the box that is named "Red Clover Children's Center" under "Contributions to Specific Funds."
  • Receive information about joining the Red Clover Board of Directors. Email Alyssa Sinclair to indicate your interest and receive information about how to join the Red Clover Board of Directors.

 

how we got here

On June 19th, 2022, members from The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC enthusiastically approved a proposal for a nonprofit-led child care center to operate within our church facility.  Read more about what we've been up to!


Red Clover Children's Center is grateful to have received funding from the United Way of Addison County, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Middlebury, Vermont Community Foundation, Let's Grow Kids, Neat Repeats, Table 21, as well as numerous private donors. RCCC is indebted to The Congregational Church of Middlebury for the generous donation of physical space and many other resources.