- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Reviews
About TARTT’s Daycare Center in Boston, MA
TARTTs Day Care Center, nestled in the heart of Boston’s Historic South End at 495 Harrison Avenue, offers a warm and nurturing environment for toddlers aged 15 months to 2.9 years. Conveniently located between Savoy Street and Randolph Street, our bright and inviting facility is designed to spark curiosity and foster growth during these critical early years. At TARTTs, we’re dedicated to creating a safe, engaging space where young minds can thrive through exploration, play, and meaningful learning experiences.
Our Programs
At TARTTs Day Care Center, we’re committed to nurturing well-rounded development through engaging, age-appropriate programs. Our curriculum encourages exploration, creativity, and growth across multiple areas, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Learning About the World
We spark young children’s natural curiosity through daily sensory exploration. From books and sensory tables to songs and interactive activities, children experience a variety of sights, sounds, textures, and sensations. Our dedicated educators ensure each day is filled with joyful learning moments that encourage discovery and wonder.
Developing Motor Skills
Movement is essential for a toddler’s growth. Our program emphasizes activities that enhance both gross and fine motor skills, including tummy time, safe indoor exploration, and outdoor play. We also promote independence by teaching practical skills such as using buttons, zippers, and snaps, as well as learning to eat with utensils and drink from a cup.
Understanding Self and Others
Through imaginative play, storytelling, and carefully selected toys and instruments, children learn to understand themselves and their relationships with others. These activities foster creativity, empathy, and a sense of self-awareness while encouraging curiosity about the world around them.
Science & Math
We cultivate a love for exploration and problem-solving with science and math-based activities. Our educators guide children through experiments, observations, and hands-on play to build critical thinking skills. By encouraging curiosity and wonder, we help children develop confidence and a passion for lifelong learning.
The Arts
Art is a vital part of our curriculum, promoting creativity, self-expression, and innovation. From painting and crafting to exploring different art mediums, children are encouraged to take creative risks and express their unique ideas. These experiences help build skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking, laying a strong foundation for future success.
Music & Dance
Music and dance are integral to life at TARTTs. Children engage in daily musical and movement activities, guided by both our educators and professional artists in residence. These experiences foster a sense of community and belonging while enhancing cognitive abilities like memory and spatial reasoning. With a focus on engaging all the senses, our music and dance program supports healthy growth and development.
Visit Us Today!
TARTTs Day Care Center is thoughtfully designed with busy families in mind. Located at 495 Harrison Avenue, our facility is easily accessible via public transportation, with convenient MBTA connections from Washington Street (Silver Line and bus routes). For those driving, we’re just moments away from exits off Interstate 93 and the Massachusetts Turnpike.
To make drop-off and pickup as seamless as possible, we provide designated 10-minute parking spaces exclusively for parents.
Discover the welcoming and nurturing environment we’ve created for your little one! We invite you to schedule a tour of our facility, meet our educators, and learn more about our programs. Contact us today to experience the TARTTs difference firsthand!
Programs Offered
Our Team

Johanna Ayuso
School Director
Johanna Ayuso serves as the School Director at Cadence Academy Preschool, bringing over two decades of dedication and experience to her role. She studied Early Education at Urban College of Boston and Canovanas in Puerto Rico and also completed secretarial studies in Puerto Rico. Johanna began her career as a teacher assistant and, with the support of her family and the Tartt’s community, has grown into leadership over the past 24 years. What she treasures most about early childhood education is empowering children to make a difference in their own lives by nurturing their growth during such formative years.
Outside of school, Johanna enjoys camping on weekends, attending church, and staying active in her community through service. Her favorite hobbies include reading and bowling, which bring her both relaxation and joy. Johanna considers it a privilege to work alongside her colleagues at Cadence, where communication, respect, and customer service remain at the heart of her leadership. To her, this school is more than a workplace—it truly feels like a second family.

Santa Castillo De Baez
Teacher of the Year
Santa Castillo De Baez is a Lead Teacher at Cadence Academy Preschool, where her passion for helping children learn and grow shines through each day. She studied Child Development and a variety of related subjects at Bunker Hill Community College, including curriculum, guidance and discipline, and supporting exceptional children. With four years of experience in early childhood education, Santa continues to study and strengthen her skills so she can provide the best care and learning environment for her students.
In her free time, Santa enjoys exploring new places, visiting the gym, walking, and traveling to different countries. She also loves simple joys like watching TV or spending time at the mall. Above all, Santa wants families and co-workers to know how much she loves her job and the children she teaches. She is excited to keep growing in her role and looks forward to all the opportunities ahead.

Megan Florestal
Adminastrative Assistant
Megan Florestal is the Administrative Assistant at Cadence Academy Preschool. A 2022 graduate of Stonehill College, she studied Criminology and Sociology but always felt called to work with children in a school setting. She loves the energy and joy that comes with early childhood education and is excited to be starting her journey in the field. Megan plans to continue her education and pursue her dream of becoming a school social worker.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, as well as relaxing with a good book, movie, or TV show. She is grateful for the warm welcome she has already received from her team and the families at Cadence Academy and looks forward to growing alongside them while making a positive impact each day.
Reviews from Parents
TARTT's Daycare Center
Boston, MA
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