- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Reviews
- Schedule Options
About Cinnamon Tree Children’s Center in Hopewell Junction, NY
The Cinnamon Tree Children’s Center provides a safe, nurturing environment where children from 2 months to 13 years old can explore, learn, and thrive. We celebrate individuality, empower decision-making, and foster positive relationships with peers and adults. Parents are integral to our community, and we value their input and participation. At Cinnamon Tree, every experience is an opportunity for growth and success.
Our Preschool Programs
Infants Ages: 2 Months – 18 Months
At Cinnamon Tree, we understand the trust parents place in us to care for their most precious treasures. Our infant room is designed to replicate the comfort and warmth of home, offering spaces to move, explore, play, and relax. Personal cribs and separate areas for changing, feeding, and play ensure a safe and nurturing environment. Our caring infant teachers form strong bonds with the children, providing individual care and developmental activities tailored to each baby’s needs. This secure bond helps infants confidently explore their environment and grow.
Toddlers Ages: 18 Months – 3 Years
The toddler years bring an incredible burst of growth in language, social, and motor skills. To meet these developmental needs, we divide our toddler classes into smaller groups with an age span of just 4–6 months. This allows teachers to tailor activities to the specific developmental level of each group. Toddler classrooms feature climbing equipment for gross motor development, quiet spaces for reading and recharging, manipulatives for fine motor skills, and an art room for sensory exploration and creativity.
Preschool / Pre-K Ages: 3 – 4 Years
Our preschool and pre-kindergarten program fosters self-confidence and a love of learning. Through independent exploration, hands-on activities, and engaging lessons, children develop foundational skills in reading readiness, math, science, and social interaction. Our curriculum aligns with New York State Pre-kindergarten Learning Standards, ensuring children are well-prepared for kindergarten. Teachers create meaningful and interactive learning experiences that help children become problem solvers and enthusiastic learners.
Nursery Program
For families seeking a half-day preschool option, our nursery program offers social experiences and kindergarten readiness activities within a structured four-hour day. Classes run from 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM with two-, three-, and five-day options available. The nursery classroom is separate from the full-day program to meet the distinct needs of both groups, ensuring smooth transitions and focused communication between parents and staff. Weekly themes incorporate art, stories, songs, outdoor play, and individualized attention from teachers with strong backgrounds in early childhood education.
Before and After-School
Cinnamon Tree offers a flexible before and after-school program designed to balance learning and fun for kindergarten through school-age children. This program provides homework assistance, art projects, indoor and outdoor games, and access to a game room tailored for older children. During school breaks or closures, children enjoy special theme-oriented activities. In addition, our full-day kindergarten program prepares children for first grade with individualized attention and hands-on learning. For first through sixth graders, we offer supervised assistance for online learning and school assignments, adapting to families’ needs during uncertain school schedules.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer
Big Fun. Little Players. Growing Confidence.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer is a high-energy enrichment program designed to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate soccer play. Led by the teachers your child already knows and trusts, it’s seamlessly built into the school day.
Program Highlights:
Designed for ages 3–5
12-week program (once per week)
40–50 minute sessions
Builds balance, coordination, and motor skills
Encourages listening, teamwork, and confidence
Integrated into your child’s daily schedule
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
Visit Us Today!
Cinnamon Tree Children’s Center, located near John Jay High School, provides a nurturing and enriching environment for children of all ages. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or schedule a tour. We look forward to welcoming your family!
Programs Offered
Our Team
Kathy Caston
School Director
I began my journey at Cinnamon Tree in 1987 as a teacher’s assistant and quickly discovered a true passion for working with children. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the center, serving as a lead teacher, assistant director, and now director. Each role has shaped my commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. My favorite part of my job continues to be spending time in the classrooms- seeing the children’s faces light up as they learn something new and watching them develop confidence and independence. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, relaxing on the beach and eating out!
Amanda Simmons
Assistant Director
Amanda Simmons is the Assistant Director at Cinnamon Tree Children’s Center, bringing a strong academic foundation and a lifelong passion for early childhood education to her role. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 6) and her Master’s degree in Literacy Education from SUNY Oneonta. Amanda began her career in education in 2016, with roots in the field that go back even further through babysitting and working in a daycare center during college.
Amanda is passionate about the remarkable growth and development that occurs in the early years, believing these foundational years are critical to a child’s social and emotional journey through school and beyond. Outside of work, she is a busy and devoted mom to three little ones — Vienna, Graeme, and Reid — and loves spending time with friends and family, hosting events, going camping, and exploring local attractions with her kids. She also enjoys reading, skiing, shopping, and planning events. Amanda is excited to be back in the field and looks forward to bringing her experience and enthusiasm to the Cadence Academy community.
Jenna DiFusco
Assistant Director
I knew early on that my calling was in childcare, and so I’ve spent the last 11 years living that dream. Starting as an assistant teacher, then becoming a lead teacher, and now serving as an assistant director, I’ve gained invaluable experience. With a CDA in preschool and a passion for working with kids of all ages, I find immense joy and fulfillment in providing a nurturing environment for children while their parents are hard at work. I value building strong relationships with families and their children, and have made great friendships with coworkers I call my cinnamon tree family. Every day is a chance to make a positive impact, and I cherish the opportunity to do what I love each and every day!
Chelsea Campolong
Teacher of the Year
Receiving the Teacher of the Year award is an incredible honor and one that feels especially meaningful because of my unique journey here. This school has been a part of my life since I was 16 years old- not just as an employee, but as a place that helped me discover who I am and who I want to be! I started working at Cinnamon Tree Children’s Center at just 16 years old—wide-eyed, eager, and unsure of what the future would hold. Over the past 13 years, this school has become far more than a workplace. It’s where I found my calling, where I grew from a teenager into an educator, and where I continue to grow every day alongside the incredible students and staff who make this community so special. Thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and walking with me on this journey. I’m proud to serve in a place that helped shape who I am—and even prouder to give back to it every day.
Reviews from Parents
Cinnamon Tree Children's Center, Hopewell Junction
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Childcare Schedule Options That Work With Your Life
Every family’s routine is unique — and your childcare should be too. With Cadence Education, our Family of Schools may offer various schedule options designed to fit your life.
Each of our school’s are unique, and may not offer all of the options listed below. Talk with your School Director to learn what options are available for your family at this location.
FlexiPass — New Flexible Care Option!
When schedules change, or the grandparents cancel, or life just gets busy, FlexiPass gives you five prepaid days of care that you can use whenever* you need them, one at a time or all at once. No registration fees. No ongoing tuition. Just dependable care when you need it most.
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