Play. explore. learn.

A safe and joyful place for your lovely children

At Mariela’s Pre-School and Nova Infant & Toddler Daycare, we provide a nurturing, bilingual environment where children feel loved, supported, and inspired to grow. With experienced caregivers, engaging activities, and a focus on emotional and educational development, your child will thrive in a space that feels like a second home.

Nova Infant and Toddler
Located in Springfield
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Nova Infant and Toddler
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About us

We are here to help parents raise happy and healthy children

 

 

“Mariela loves children and cares for her clients’ little ones as if they were her own. She is dedicated to providing the best, most loving care in a safe and nurturing preschool environment.”

Mariela Castellanos

Founder of Mariela's Pre-school and Nova Infant and Toddler Day Care

Day care Options

Age-specific support for every stage

Infant

Your baby is nurtured in a safe, loving, and stimulating environment designed to support early growth and development. With gentle routines, sensory play, and responsive caregiving, we focus on building trust, fostering emotional security, and encouraging each baby’s natural curiosity—one snuggle, smile, and milestone at a time.

Toddlers

We offers a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where busy little explorers can grow, play, and learn. Our program supports developing independence, social skills, and early language through structured routines, interactive play, and hands-on activities. With loving guidance, toddlers build confidence, express themselves, and begin to understand the world around them.

Preschool

Mariela’s Pre-School is a joyful and engaging place where young minds blossom. Our play-based curriculum encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning while building strong foundations in early literacy, math, and social skills. Through kindness, exploration, and guided discovery, we help each child grow with confidence—preparing them for a bright future in school and in life.

Day care

ADMISSION

Call or text to schedule an appointment to see the place.  We have programs for school days, pre-school and summer programs. 

01

Half Days

Monday - Friday

02

Full Days

Monday - Friday

03

Extended Day

Monday - Friday

We welcome kids into our 2-4’s program based on their birth year.

Why us

Mariela’s Pre-School provides the best early learning experience

By nurturing each child’s heart, mind, and imagination.

Kindness

We teach children to treat others with compassion, share generously, and speak with respect. Every day is a chance to practice empathy and build meaningful friendships.

Creativity

Imagination comes alive at Mariela’s! From art and music to storytelling and pretend play, we encourage every child to think outside the box and express themselves freely.

Emotional

Children are supported in identifying and expressing their feelings in healthy ways. Through guided activities and gentle encouragement, they develop self-awareness, confidence, and resilience.

Innovation

Our play-based curriculum blends traditional learning with modern tools and sensory-rich environments. We spark curiosity and inspire problem-solving to prepare children for a world that’s always evolving.

Our Mission

Our Vision

Daily activities

Designed to help children realize their potential

Mariela's Pre-school

Morning Huddles

Morning Hurdles at Mariela’s Pre-School is our fun and energetic start to the day! Designed to get little bodies moving and minds engaged, this activity combines simple obstacle courses with balance, jumping, crawling, and coordination challenges. It’s a great way to build gross motor skills, boost confidence, and help children transition smoothly into learning mode—with big smiles and ready-to-learn attitudes!

Basics

Play Stations

The Play Station is a free play area where children can use their imagination, build friendships, and explore different toys and activities. From building blocks and pretend play to puzzles and creative games, this space encourages social skills, problem-solving, and joyful learning through play.

Sensory Lab

The Sensory Lab at Mariela’s Pre-School is a hands-on learning space designed to engage all five senses through playful exploration. With textured materials, scented play dough, light tables, sound stations, and water play, children build fine motor skills, focus, and self-regulation while discovering the world through touch, sight, sound, and movement.

Superfoods

Our Superfood station introduces kids to healthy, colorful foods in a fun and tasty way! Children learn about fruits, veggies, and other nutritious snacks through hands-on activities like tasting, sorting, and simple food prep. It’s all about building healthy habits and a love for good food from the very start!

Outdoor Play

Outdoor Play is a time for fresh air, movement, and exploration! Children run, climb, jump, dig, and discover in a safe and engaging outdoor space. It helps develop gross motor skills, teamwork, and a love for nature—while having lots of fun!

Meet the teachers

Experts in giving your children best start

Mariela Castellanos

Lead teacher

Natalia Ortiz

Nova - Daycare Teacher

Anna Ortiz

Nova - Daycare Teacher

What parent say
Ana G
"Mariela’s Pre-School has been a blessing for our family. My daughter is learning so much in both English and Spanish, and she comes home excited every day. The teachers are warm, caring, and truly invested in each child’s growth." — Ana G., Parent of a 4-year-old
James R
"I can’t say enough about the love and attention my baby receives at Nova Infant & Toddler Daycare. From 3 months old, my son has felt safe and happy there. It gives me peace of mind while I’m at work." — James R., Parent of an infant
Carla M.
"My two kids attend both locations—one at Nova and one at Mariela’s Preschool—and the transition has been seamless. The staff is incredible, the meals are healthy, and the bilingual program is such a plus for our multicultural family." — Carla M., Parent of a toddler and a 6-year-old
Luis V
"We love that Mariela’s is more than a daycare—it’s a community. My child has grown emotionally, socially, and academically thanks to the patient and creative staff." — Luis V., Parent of a preschooler

More than just a joyful place

It's an emotional and social development center where children learn to be kind, respectful and make friends.