Our Story
For over 25 years, Hearts & Hands has been a trusted part of the Mount Horeb community — caring for children, supporting families, and building a foundation for lifelong learning.
A Place Built on Love
Hearts & Hands Children's Center opened its doors in 1996 with a simple belief: every child deserves a place where they feel safe, seen, and inspired to grow. What started as a small childcare center on Ridgeview Road has become one of Mount Horeb's most trusted names in early childhood education.
Over the years, we've grown alongside the families we serve — expanding our programs, welcoming new educators, and earning recognition as a four-time Best of Madison Gold winner. But our heart has stayed the same. We're still the neighborhood center where teachers know every child by name and parents feel like part of the family.
Today, Hearts & Hands is a state-licensed, nationally accredited center serving children from 6 weeks through 11 years of age. We're proud to partner with the Mount Horeb Area School District to offer a 4K program, and we remain committed to the play-based, whole-child approach that has defined us since day one.
What We Believe
We believe children learn best through experiences and play. Our educators use positive guidance and thoughtful direction to help children cooperate with peers and adults, build social skills, and develop a genuine love of learning.
Our philosophy has two goals:
We strive to find a solution to the current situation — helping children navigate challenges in real time.
We help children process feelings, recognize consequences, explore alternatives, and develop internal self-control.
This means our classrooms are designed around each child's developmental level. We use prevention, redirection, conflict resolution, and natural consequences — not punishment — to guide behavior. We give children specific recognition for their successes, and we help them build the problem-solving skills they'll carry with them for life.
Recognized for Excellence
Hearts & Hands is accredited by the Association for Early Learning Leaders' National Accreditation Commission (ELLNAC) — a distinction that reflects our commitment to exceeding state licensing standards in every area of care and education.
We're also honored to have been named a Best of Madison Gold winner in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 — voted by the families and community members who know us best.
The People Who Make It Special
Behind every great day at Hearts & Hands is a team of dedicated educators who show up with energy, patience, and heart. Many of our staff members have been with us for years, building deep relationships with the children and families in our care.
Our team includes experienced lead teachers, assistant teachers, and support staff — all committed to creating a safe, joyful environment where children can thrive. Our 4K classroom is led by a DPI-licensed teacher in partnership with the Mount Horeb Area School District.