Crystal Thompson-Pollard, Executive Director and OwnerFor Crystal Thompson-Pollard, Executive Director and Owner of Kid Logic Learning, these moments represent far more than childhood curiosity. They offer a window into each child's own way of learning and developing through meaningful relationships in an environment that meets each child's individual need. That perspective inspired the creation of Kid Logic Learning, a five-star early care and education program serving children and families in South Burlington, Vermont.
Founded 13 years ago, it was built on a commitment to understanding and supporting the whole child. That philosophy continues to shape the quality care and intentional learning experiences offered to every child through honoring them as individuals.
Years spent in continuing education in what is relevant each year in the world of child development, and working as both an educator and program director helped Thompson-Pollard recognize opportunities to support children in ways that extended beyond what traditional programs often offered.
Kid Logic Learning serves children from infancy to school age through its infant, toddler, preschool, Pre-K, school-age and summer programs. Every aspect of the learning experience is intentionally designed to support children's growth and development, from thoughtfully designed classrooms that include enrichments such as; gross motor studios, to art, music, and cooking, and nature-based enrichment opportunities.
“Children thrive when they are seen, understood and given opportunities to learn in ways that are meaningful to them,” says Thompson.
Honoring the Whole Child through Intentional Learning
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, guided by emergent curriculum practices, Kid Logic Learning builds learning experiences through PLAY with open ended materials and invitations to explore what they can do! These learning opportunities surround the indoor and outdoor environments with children's interests. Educators engage asking open-ended questions while observing play, document learning to develop these experiences to extend the deep curiosity in learning that align with Vermont Early Learning Standards and NAEYC principles while remaining responsive to each child's individual developmental journey.
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Children thrive when they are seen, understood and given opportunities to learn in ways that are meaningful to them.
This process begins with meaningful relationships. Educators take time to understand each child's temperament, first hour needs, love language, communication style, and unique needs, using those insights to create a classroom environment that feels like a second home to all children, where all children feel belonging. Through the Honoring Children practice, “created and taught by the great Jeannie Fitzgerald,” which Kid Logic Learning is dedicated to practice, children feel significant! They develop positive communication, confidence, self-regulation and emotional intelligence.
When children struggle to communicate their needs or navigate difficult emotions, the school does not simply correct behavior. Instead, educators seek understanding through the child's profile, before judgment, working to identify underlying causes and guide children through empathy and connection or building skills not yet mastered.
Extending this approach beyond the classroom, nature-based STEAM experiences like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math connect to the outdoors! Children are encouraged to take part in the great outdoors, develop appreciation and responsibility of environmental awareness while building connections to community and culture.
Building a Community That Supports Children, Families, and Educators
Kid Logic Learning recognizes that supporting the whole child requires strong partnerships with families and educators, making communication a central priority. Families stay connected through family engagement, weekly classroom newsletters, parent teacher conferences, curriculum sharing, photographs, monthly community events and educator-parent education opportunities. An open-door philosophy encourages ongoing dialogue, ensuring families remain active participants in their children's learning journeys.
Kid Logic Learning also works closely with community resources, specialists and local school districts to support children with diverse learning needs. Continuous reflection and improvement guide these efforts, helping the team identify new ways to strengthen child development outcomes. This commitment is reinforced by the Honoring Children culture that values emotional well-being and promotes practices that support all children, families and educators.
Supporting children begins with supporting educators. Mentoring, coaching, continued education opportunities and dedicated learning time help teachers continue growing in their profession while strengthening the culture and values that define Kid Logic Learning.
Crystal Thompson-Pollard is expanding beyond birth-to-afterschool programming by launching Nature's Way STEAM School through the nonprofit Early Enrichment Corp., with the school opening in fall 2026. The private school will share the same principles of Kid Logic Learning and serve children from kindergarten through third grade. The initiative aims to provide continued access to relationship-based learning, STEAM and arts enrichment, and nature-focused experiences.
As these programs evolve, the Kid Logic Learning team remains committed to understanding and supporting every child while continuously strengthening the experiences, relationships and opportunities that help children, families and educators thrive.
