Big Seed Families,
Welcome to the Big Seed Room!
We warmly welcome you to the Big Seed room! We look forward to building a wonderful relationship with your family to provide the best possible care for you and your little one.
Ms. Kelly (7:45 AM – 4:45 PM)
Hi, Big Seed families! My name is Ms. Kelly. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States in 2013. I have lived in Bend since 2022. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and have worked with children for over five years. I have been part of the Growing Tree team since November 2025, and I’m so happy to be part of your little one’s journey.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, friends, and my dog, Enzo. I enjoy hiking, thrifting, shopping, road trips, and traveling. I’m always looking forward to new adventures and to making special memories along the way!
I’m looking forward to getting to know each of your families and being part of your child’s growth and development!
Ms. Jocie (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
Hello, Big Seed families! My name is Ms. Jocie, and I am a born-and-raised Bendite. I rejoined the Growing Tree team in July 2026 after finishing college, but I also worked here in high school and was a student at Growing Tree many years ago! I love the community at this center and am thrilled to be back!
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and have worked with children for nearly 10 years. I love the opportunity to support kiddos in their development and to watch them grow and learn!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, reading, hiking, and thrifting. I also love to cook and am an avid houseplant collector. I’m so excited to get to know each of your families and support your children on their Big Seed journey!
What you can expect to see in Big Seed Room….
We believe a strong foundation helps our Big Seeds become the best version of themselves. From doing as much for themselves as they can to building confidence and developing a sense of security, we want the Big Seeds to feel they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
We will focus on developing self-help skills, such as independent handwashing, putting on their coat, and using silverware. We will also encourage language development and support each child as they work toward their developmental milestones.
Each month, we will have a month-long “Study.” These studies will incorporate books, art, songs, and ASL that relate to the study. You can expect to see artwork, listen to songs, and discover what the children are learning to communicate with their hands through signs.
That said, we will ease into things during the first month and focus on helping the children feel comfortable, safe, and happy while getting to know each other.
Communication
Regarding communication, we will use Brightwheel to log diapers, meals, and naps, and to check children in and out of the center. Messaging is also available through the Brightwheel app for any questions or updates you would like to share or receive about your child.
Big Seed Supplies
- Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream
- At least 2 complete changes of clothes
- Sleep sack/blanket
- Lovey or binky if needed
- (Please label your child’s items with their name or initials)
- Family Photo for our Family Photo Board
Big Seeds sleep on cots and use a blanket or sleep sack, along with a lovey for naps. On a typical day, they will be down for a nap by 12 PM.
Please take your child’s blankets home on Fridays to wash and return them on Monday.
We know leaving your little ones can be challenging, so we would love to help make the transition as easy as possible for both of you! Feel free to reach out anytime. We are here for you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We look forward to working together to meet your child’s needs and help them learn and grow.
We look forward to a wonderful year together!
Warmly,
Ms. Kelly & Ms. Jocie