About us

Where childhood grows naturally.

About the people, philosophy, and heart behind Hawthorn Grove.

Whether your child is just beginning their journey or preparing for kindergarten, we're committed to helping them learn, grow, and thrive every step of the way.

Hawthorn Grove is a family owned childcare center in Bay Village, serving children from 6 weeks through Pre-K. Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., we provide a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, build meaningful relationships, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Six young children sitting around a gray wooden picnic table outdoors, with a brick and white fence in the background on a sunny day.

It started with a simple idea.

That childcare should feel a little more like home.

When Hawthorn Grove opened in 2021, our vision was simple: create a place where children feel known, families feel supported, and childhood has room to unfold naturally.

Everything we do, from our classrooms and daily rhythms to the relationships we build, is rooted in that idea.

At the heart of Hawthorn Grove

At the heart of everything we do is a simple commitment: to treat every child like one of our own. We take the time to know each child, their needs, their personality, and the ways they learn best so they can feel seen, supported, and confident as they grow.

We believe meaningful learning begins with strong relationships. Through play, exploration, and age-appropriate experiences, our educators create a nurturing environment where children can build social-emotional skills, discover their independence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Stacked alphabet blocks with the letters A, B, and C in pastel colors.

Child-Led Learning

Children are encouraged to experiment, create, question, and grow at their own pace.

A yellow speech bubble with a white heart inside.

Emotional Safety

Strong relationships help children thrive when they feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for.

Illustration of a vintage alarm clock with a green body, beige bells, and a yellow clock hand, set against a plain white background.

Thoughtful Structure

Predictable routines provide comfort while leaving room for curiosity and play.

It looks a little different for every child

Because no two children learn, play, or grow in exactly the same way, we give each child the space, support, and experiences they need to thrive.

Three children standing in a room near a coat rack, some clothes hanging, and a whiteboard with hospital rules. One boy is smiling at the camera wearing a sports jersey and cap, another boy is holding a shirt, and a girl is listening to a stethoscope.

Room to Explore

Wonder. Experiment. Create.

Two young girls sitting on the floor, smiling and enjoying a moment together. One girl has curly hair and is wearing a pink long sleeve shirt, the other girl has straight hair and is wearing a striped shirt. They are inside a tent.

Room to Connect

Build relationships. Share experiences.
Understand big feelings.

A young boy with red hair and light skin smiling at the camera, sitting at a wooden table lined with colorful pieces of tissue paper. He is wearing a yellow shirt and is in a room that appears to be a classroom or art room, with shelves of supplies in the background.

Room to Grow

Build confidence. Discover independence.
Find their own way.

Learning with purpose.
Growing with intention.

Our teachers follow a structured curriculum aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards, using research-based and relationship-centered strategies to make learning meaningful at every stage.

Curriculum is thoughtfully adapted to each child's developmental needs and learning style, while social-emotional development remains just as important as academics. Through everyday experiences, children learn to understand their feelings, build relationships, and develop the confidence to navigate their growing world.

A woman leading a circle time activity for young children sitting on the floor in a classroom. The woman is holding a heart-shaped sign, seated cross-legged, surrounded by children sitting on individual mats or tiles. The classroom has educational posters, toys, and colorful decorations including a large clock on the wall.

The people behind the place.

Our experienced and caring educators are the heart of Hawthorn Grove. They're the familiar faces who welcome your child each morning, celebrate their discoveries, comfort them when they need it, and help them feel at home.

Each staff member is chosen for their warmth, dedication, and love of children, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and supported. Our Center Director and Assistant Director oversee daily operations, providing consistency and a high standard of care for every child and family.

Three girls engaging with educational activities in a classroom setting including a tablet, clay, and a reading group.

More than a classroom,
a place to belong

From the first morning drop-off to the final goodbye, our goal is to create an environment where children feel comfortable being themselves. Learning happens naturally throughout the day through play, creative arts, music, movement, and outdoor exploration. Every classroom is thoughtfully designed around the developmental needs of each age group, giving children opportunities to play, create, move, connect, and grow.

Come see where your child's journey begins.

We'd love to show you around, introduce you to our educators, and help you find the right place for your family.