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About Watch Me Grow Childcare and Preschool in Gilbert, AZ
Watch Me Grow Child Care and Preschool is a school dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and care. Since opening in October 2005, our mission has been to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can thrive.
As one of the first schools in Arizona to offer an online viewing system, we continue to be among the few that provide web cameras in our classrooms, giving parents peace of mind and a window into their child’s day.
At Watch Me Grow, we believe in fostering a positive, loving atmosphere where children feel valued and supported. Our passionate and experienced staff stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education, ensuring that each child receives the highest level of care and learning opportunities.
We take pride in being more than just a school—we are a community committed to the well-being and development of every child who walks through our doors.
Areas of Curriculum
At Watch Me Grow Child Care, we are dedicated to meeting the unique developmental needs of young children. Research confirms that the early years—birth through age six—are critical to a child’s overall growth and future success. We prioritize staying up to date with the latest research and advancements in early childhood education to ensure we provide the best possible learning experiences.
Watch Me Grow implements the Learning Beyond Paper curriculum in all our classrooms. This comprehensive, hands-on approach to learning emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), Language Arts, Physical Development, Interactive Reading, and Cognitive Growth throughout daily lessons.
Infant Program (Ages 6 Weeks to 12 Months)
Our Infant Program is designed to provide personalized, nurturing care that helps babies develop trust and security in their environment. Infants receive one-on-one attention, including cuddling, talking, singing, and interactive play throughout the day. We work closely with parents to create individualized schedules that support each baby’s unique needs, ensuring a flexible and responsive approach to their development.
To keep families informed, we use an electronic daily sheet application that updates parents in real-time on meals, naps, activities, and their baby’s preferences.
Our daily schedule is flexible to accommodate the needs of infants at various developmental stages, from 6 weeks to 15 months old. Open communication with families ensures that routines align with each baby’s evolving needs. Our caregivers provide at least 30 minutes of tummy time in the morning and again in the afternoon, promoting strength and coordination.
At Watch Me Grow, we strive to create a safe, loving, and stimulating environment where every infant receives the care and attention they need to thrive.
Young Toddlers Program (Ages 12 to 24 Months)
At this stage, children begin developing greater independence while still needing one-on-one affection and attention. Our Young Toddler Program encourages exploration and discovery with gentle guidance and encouragement from our caring staff.
As toddlers grow, a more structured daily schedule is introduced, helping them develop a sense of time, predictability, and routine. This structure fosters security while allowing for plenty of hands-on learning and play. Our one-year-old classroom is equipped with age-appropriate toys and activity centers, ensuring each child is fully engaged and enjoying their day.
Our daily schedule remains flexible to meet the needs of children at various developmental stages between 12 and 24 months. We maintain open communication with families to ensure schedules align with their toddler’s evolving needs, making adjustments as they grow and develop.
At Watch Me Grow, we provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where young toddlers can build confidence, curiosity, and essential early skills.
Older Toddlers Program (Ages 2 – 3 Years)
Our Older Toddler Program provides children with more opportunities for growth, development, and independence through structured play and interactive learning. Activity centers, hands-on exploration, and guided experiences foster curiosity and creativity.
At this stage, circle time and teacher-led activities become a regular part of the day, helping toddlers build early social, cognitive, and communication skills. Children are encouraged to explore and learn with minimal interference, allowing them to develop confidence in their abilities while being supported by our attentive staff.
A significant milestone during this year is potty training. Our experienced staff works closely with families to ensure a consistent and supportive approach, helping each child progress at their own pace toward this important achievement.
Our daily schedule is designed to provide a balance of structure and flexibility, meeting the needs of children as they grow and develop. Open communication with parents ensures consistency between home and school, promoting a smooth and encouraging learning experience.
At Watch Me Grow, we create a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where older toddlers can thrive, gaining the skills and confidence needed for their next stage of development.
Preschool Program (Ages 3 – 4 Years)
The Preschool Program at Watch Me Grow Child Care is designed to meet the developmental, social, and academic needs of children at this critical stage of growth. Our engaging curriculum introduces fundamental concepts in Language Arts, Math, Music, and Science through fun, hands-on activities that encourage self-discovery, confidence, and a love of learning.
Through songs, games, and art projects, children explore new ideas in an enriching and interactive environment. Our experienced teachers create a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere, ensuring each child develops essential skills that prepare them for future academic success.
Pre-K Program (Ages 4 – 6 Years)
Our Pre-K Program is designed to equip children with the essential skills needed for a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond. With a strong emphasis on early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development, we provide a structured yet engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity and a love for learning.
We implement the Houghton Mifflin Pre-K curriculum, a research-based, hands-on, and minds-on approach to early education. This curriculum is aligned with national and state early learning standards, including those set by Early Reading First, Head Start, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the International Reading Association, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
The Houghton Mifflin Pre-K curriculum is widely used in public schools and has been proven effective in building early reading, writing, and math skills, ensuring children have a strong foundation as they enter elementary school. Through engaging activities, interactive lessons, and meaningful play, children develop the confidence and skills they need to become lifelong learners.
At Watch Me Grow, we are committed to providing a nurturing, enriching, and stimulating environment where every child is prepared to thrive in school and beyond.
Our Riggs Road Child Care Center
Our Riggs Road location, now open, is located at: 7135 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, AZ (NE corner of Val Vista and Riggs Road)
We are excited to welcome families to our Riggs Road facility, designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children to learn, play, and grow.
Schedule a Tour
We’d love to meet you and your family!
For more information about Watch Me Grow Child Care and Preschool in Gilbert, AZ, schedule a tour today. Come see our engaging learning environment, meet our dedicated staff, and experience firsthand why we are a trusted choice for early childhood education.
Schedule your visit and let us introduce you to your child’s home away from home!
Programs Offered
Our Team

Casey Zionts
School Director
Hi! My name is Casey Zionts, and I’ve worked with Watch Me Grow since August 2009. I have a BA in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University. I grew up in CT and met my husband as a sophomore in college. After we graduated and after starting our family, we moved to AZ in 2009 when our daughter was 2 years old. We now have four girls, ages 9, 12, 15, and 18. I enjoy doing small projects around the house and using my creative side as often as I can.
I’ve worked in childcare since I was 15 years old. I started at a small preschool in my hometown and continued to work with children throughout my college career. When I started with WMG, I was a two-year-old teacher. I moved to a floating position for a year or two then found my love for the infant classroom. In November 2021, I helped open the Riggs/Val Vista location as the Cuddle Bug 1 lead teacher. January 2022 I was promoted to Assistant Director then stepped into the Director roll in September 2022. I really love and am very passionate about my job. Forming connections with children and their families and striving to provide the best individualized care possible are always my top priorities. I look forward to having you as part of our Watch Me Grow family!

Melissa Talamante
Assistant Director
Hi! I’m Melissa Talamante, and I’m so proud to be the Assistant Director here at Watch Me Grow-Riggs Location. Working with children has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and being part of their early learning journey is truly a joy every day.
I’ve been in the childcare field for over 4 years, starting as a classroom infant teacher in 2021. Soon after I became part of the mentor program and helped implement hands-on training to newly hired members. In July 2023, I stepped into the role of Assistant Director—a position that has given me the opportunity to support not only the children in our care but also the incredible teachers and families who make our community so special. I’m passionate about creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn each day.
Outside of the daycare, you’ll usually find me spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, or doing something baseball related—whether it’s watching a game or playing catch with my kids. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love and be part of a team that cares so deeply about children’s growth and happiness.
I believe early childhood is such a special time, and I’m committed to making these early years as positive and nurturing as they can be. Please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello — I’m always here to chat, answer questions, or just share a smile!
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Watch Me Grow
Gilbert, AZ
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