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Our Teachers
Frances M. Goff, born Frances Bennett, was never meant to blend into the crowd. Raised in the heart of Brooklyn as one of 19 children, she carried a spark that stood out even in the most bustling of homes. While her siblings chose different paths, Frances carved her own by becoming the first—and only—one to complete college. She graduated from South Carolina State University with a degree in Early Childhood Development Education, a field that spoke directly to her heart. In October 1989, armed with little more than determination and an unshakable belief in the power of early education, Frances founded The Happy Tree Child Development Center. The name wasn’t just whimsical—it was a symbol of what she believed every child deserved: strong roots, a nurturing environment, and the freedom to grow tall and proud. The first Happy Tree was nestled in a modest apartment community in Far North Dallas. With just 17 children, Frances poured her energy into every smile, every scraped knee, and every curious question. She didn’t just teach; she loved. Word spread quickly, and before long, her little center swelled to over 50 children, all drawn by the warmth and excellence she cultivated. In 1990, Frances made a bold move to Carrollton, Texas, where her vision could blossom even further. The new location allowed her to serve more families—over 130 students at one point—and her commitment to “high-quality care where families live” became a model for community-centered education. By 2001, The Happy Tree had grown into a permanent home, a building that echoed with laughter, learning, and the love Frances sowed in every child she met. Though the world outside kept changing, inside those walls, Frances’s legacy remained strong: that every child deserved not just a place to learn, but a place to belong. Today, the leaves of The Happy Tree still rustle with her spirit—Frances M. Goff, the woman who dared to dream that a better world could begin with one child, one classroom, one heart at a time.
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Philosophy
At The Happy Tree Child Development Center, nurture is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud that our children leave our care as exceptional students, but we are even more proud of the kind, confident, and thoughtful people they become. We focus on developing self-esteem, empathy, and respect, instilling in every child the belief that they can be leaders and positive changemakers in the world. We teach our students to treat others with kindness, to value themselves, and to go out into the world not just to succeed—but to do good.
About our program
The moment you walk through our doors, you will automatically know that you are somewhere special. The Happy Tree feels like home—warm, welcoming, and filled with joy. Our teachers are trained in Early Childhood Education and are devoted to every child’s unique journey. We use developmentally appropriate practices that challenge children intellectually while supporting their emotional and social growth. Every classroom is a space of care, creativity, and confidence-building.
At The Happy Tree Child Development Center
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Our Infant Programour Infant Program (0–18 months) is rooted in The Comprehensive Infant Curriculum by Albrecht & Miller, which supports the whole child by addressing key developmental domains such as sensory exploration, communication, motor skills, cognitive growth, and emotional bonding. Each activity is designed to meet children where they are—encouraging discovery through movement, music, art, storytelling, and hands-on play. We know that every baby is unique, which is why we follow individualized schedules tailored to each child's needs. To keep parents closely connected, we use Daily Connect, an interactive app that tracks diaper changes, naps, feedings, and daily activities. We also upload photos, videos, and real-time updates—making sure you’re part of every giggle, milestone, and magical moment, even when you're away.
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Our Toddler ProgramOur toddler program offers the perfect balance of nurturing care and structured exploration, thoughtfully designed to support your child’s growth during this important stage of development. As toddlers begin to assert their independence and curiosity, we provide a safe, engaging environment that allows them to explore while still receiving the comfort and consistency they need. We implement the Come Learn with Me visual boards, which introduces toddlers to foundational concepts through visual, hands-on learning experiences. These brief, intentional learning sessions are woven into the daily routine to maintain attention and create a natural rhythm that supports developmental progress. Our classroom structure is purposefully guided, yet flexible, allowing toddlers to express their emerging personalities while building important social, cognitive, and physical skills. We understand that this stage requires patience, empathy, and experienced caregivers who are well-versed in supporting toddlers through transitions—especially the shift from infancy to early childhood. We also pay close attention to your child’s nutritional needs, recognizing that toddlers often experience sensitivities and preferences as they transition from infant feeding. Our team partners closely with families to ensure each child receives healthy meals and snacks that support growth and development. Gross motor development is a key focus of our toddler program. From climbing and balancing to dancing and outdoor play, we provide opportunities for movement that build strength, coordination, and confidence. One of the most significant milestones during toddlerhood is potty training. At The Happy Tree, we introduce and support potty training in a positive, developmentally appropriate, and stress-free manner. Our caregivers make potty training a natural part of the daily routine and offer gentle guidance tailored to each child’s readiness. At The Happy Tree, your toddler is celebrated, supported, and set on a path of joyful learning. We recognize that each child develops at their own pace—and we’re here every step of the way to help them thrive.
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Our Pre-K ProgramAt The Happy Tree, our highly acclaimed Preschool I, Preschool II, and Pre-K classrooms set the gold standard in early childhood education. With a reputation built on excellence, our program is truly unmatched when compared to others in the region. Our educators are not only passionate and nurturing, but deeply committed to preparing children academically, socially, and emotionally for lifelong success. Our preschool program fosters individuality, self-direction, and self-confidence while encouraging collaboration and community through group learning. Our experienced teachers spark children’s natural curiosity through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that are designed to meet the diverse interests and developmental needs of each child. Every classroom is rich with engaging, purposeful learning centers that promote exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. We proudly align our curriculum with both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards, ensuring our students receive a strong foundation in language and literacy, mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and social-emotional development. Our thematic, interest-based lessons include outdoor learning experiences, neighborhood walks, and field trips that bring learning to life—while also welcoming parent involvement every step of the way. In our Pre-K program, children are not just preparing for kindergarten—they are excelling beyond expectations. Through a thoughtfully balanced schedule of whole group, small group, and independent learning experiences, our students engage in deep, meaningful learning across all content areas. Whether working on early literacy skills, numeracy concepts, STEM exploration, or team-based problem solving, children build the competence and confidence they need to thrive in school and beyond. Our Results Speak for Themselves: A significant percentage of our graduates matriculate into kindergarten already reading, demonstrating strong number sense, and exhibiting high levels of social-emotional intelligence. They leave The Happy Tree not only kindergarten-ready, but advanced in many key areas—especially in STEM, creative thinking, and cooperative learning. Our Pre-K learning centers promote collaborative play, creativity, and leadership. Children are encouraged to express themselves, make decisions about their environment, and learn through play while being supported by intentional, research-based instruction. Weekly enrichment activities, including music, creative movement, and language classes, round out the child’s experience—ensuring a well-rounded, joyful, and engaging learning environment. At The Happy Tree, every day is a celebration of growth, discovery, community, and fun. When families choose our preschool, they are investing in a proven pathway to academic excellence and confident, capable learners.