Children playing with toys in a bright room.

About Us

Where Children Are Cradled in the Arms of Love

At Granny D's Learning Center, children from 6 weeks to school age find a safe and loving environment to explore and grow. With over 25 years of experience, we nurture curiosity and confidence through hands-on play and learning. Join us Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, for quality childcare you can trust.

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The Granny D's Legacy

Granny D's Learning Center became a dream many years ago by the late Mrs. Dorothy Ann Welch. As time went by, kids of all ages in the neighborhood started calling her "Granny," and that name - along with her incredible legacy - stuck with her forever.

Granny D was a woman full of love and understanding who believed that children were precious gifts from God. She knew that every child deserved to be uplifted, encouraged, and taught biblical instructions so they could grow up and become the vessels God intended for them to be through His Son Jesus.

Mrs. Dorothy Welch was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a caring grandmother who will be missed greatly. Her strength and love for the Lord was her glory. Though she left us some years ago, her love and laughter continue to echo through the halls of Granny D's Learning Center.

"Granny" - your dream has come true. We all know you will never be forgotten, and your love and laughter will carry on through the halls of Granny D's Learning Center

Meet Antionette Anderson

Antionette D. Anderson is the proud daughter of Dorothy Ann Welch and the owner/director of Granny D's Learning Center. Carrying forward her mother's 25+ year legacy, Antionette brings both professional expertise and a deep family commitment to early childhood education.

Professional Experience

Antionette has over 24 years of experience in early childhood education, with proven skills in:

  • Team leadership and curriculum enhancement

  • Health and safety compliance

  • Parent communication and community engagement

  • Staff training and professional development

  • Activity organization and daily operations

  • Regulatory knowledge and APPLE Accreditation standards

Certifications

Certified Director's License

Certified First Aid & CPR

APPLE Accreditation Training

Under Antionette's leadership, Granny D's Learning Center continues to provide the warm, family-oriented care that has made it a trusted name in Gainesville for over two decades.

At Granny D's Learning Center, we are committed to making every day a happy and productive day for each child enrolled in our center. We provide a place for children to learn about themselves, their friends, and the world around them through a well-developed curriculum.

Each child will be encouraged to discover their abilities and interests. In our warm and loving atmosphere, we try to make every day a joyful yet educational experience.

We believe that:

  • All children are valuable to the Lord and deserve to be uplifted, encouraged, and taught biblical instructions so they may grow up and become the vessels God intended for them to be.

  • Children have the right to a nurturing, safe environment where they can feel comfortable and secure.

  • Children have the right to develop to their maximum abilities, and teachers have the responsibility to provide opportunities for this development.

  • Each child is an individual and must be allowed to develop at their own pace.

  • We accept and respect differences between children. Every child, regardless of sex, race, religion, or ethnic origin, must have the same opportunities and advantages.

  • Children learn best through active participation with their environment, and the teacher's job is to provide a variety of opportunities and experiences to promote growth in all areas

What is APPLE Accreditation?

APPLE (Accreditation Performance Program for Learning Environments) is Florida's largest and most respected early childhood accreditation system. It represents the Gold Seal highest standard of quality in childcare and education.

APPLE Accreditation is nationally recognized and accepted by the U.S. Department of Defense, making it a trusted credential for military families and parents seeking the highest quality care.

What APPLE Accreditation Means for Your Child:

  • Rigorous quality standards that exceed basic licensing requirements

  • Regular on-site assessments and continuous quality improvement

  • Comprehensive curriculum that supports all areas of development

  • Highly trained staff with ongoing professional development

  • Strong health, safety, and sanitation protocols

  • Active family engagement and partnership

  • Focus on school readiness and lifelong learning

Granny D's Learning Center is proud to maintain APPLE Accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to providing the highest quality early childhood education in Gainesville.

A Family Legacy You Can Trust

Unlike corporate chains, we're a multigenerational family business. The love and care that Dorothy Ann Welch poured into this center continues through her daughter Antionette.

25+ Years Serving Gainesville

We've been a trusted part of the Gainesville community for over two decades. Many of our current families are former students who now bring their own children to us.

Extended Hours for Busy Families

Open Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM, we accommodate working parents' schedules with flexible, extended hours.

All Meals Included

We provide nutritious breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snacks daily through the Child Care Food Program - no additional costs, no packing lunches.

True Open Door Policy

Parents are welcome anytime during operating hours. We encourage involvement through lunch visits, story time, field trips, and special celebrations.

Small Class Sizes

Our teacher-to-child ratios exceed state requirements, ensuring each child receives individual attention and care.

Experience the Granny D's Difference

We invite you to visit our center, meet our staff, and see firsthand why families have trusted Granny D's Learning Center for over 25 years.

Call: (352) 872-5852

Email: grannydlearning@gmail.com

Visit: 901 SE 1st Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601

Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM

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Where Children Are Cradled in the Arms of Love