Giggle Gardens Learning Center

08/28/2026

08/14/2026

We are eternally grateful for the contributions Carl Mazzaferro and Richie David have made to Giggle Gardens Learning Center over the years. They will always be part of the family.

Carl, who has been our director of operations and CFO and kept things running smoothly in many different ways at our different locations over 30 years, so deserves his retirement with his beautiful wife of 51 years. He has done everything from overseeing installation of our splash pad to upgrading our historical building, including all-new energy efficiency. He would always smile and wish us a fabulous day.

We’re so proud of Richie and his fantastic new job with the state inspecting buses, where he’ll continue to keep a watchful eye on the safety of students in our community. Over his nearly two decades here, he has maintained an unwavering commitment to keeping children safe, and we (and they) love him for it. Richie always has a big grin on his face and dance moves in his back pocket, and our next Santa will have huge shoes to fill!

07/29/2026

We absolutely love serving the children and families of this city and the surrounding area with the highest quality childcare and learning environment we can achieve. During this 30th anniversary year, you'll be hearing a lot about how we're taking it to the next level to make Giggle Gardens Learning Center fit your needs in the best and most convenient ways possible.

07/29/2026

07/19/2026

𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬

SPRINGFIELD – Giggle Gardens Learning Center, celebrating 30 years this year, welcomes the return of Maria Cardenales as Executive Director.

Owner and founder Roxanne Turowsky said she’s happy to welcome Cardenales back as they continue their growth. She said children and families can expect more positive changes in the near future.

Cardenales was the executive director at Giggle Gardens back in 2008, overseeing three locations and more than 500 children. She brings experience, a great education, and bilingual communication, said Turowsky.

Cardenales said it is with great joy and gratitude that she reintroduces herself to the Giggle Gardens family. Fourteen years ago, she said, she had the privilege of working hand in hand with Turowsky to successfully prepare the program to meet the required objectives of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

“Today, I am honored to return as Executive Director during our 30th anniversary, continuing the mission and vision that our owner, Roxanne Turowsky, has built with so much love, dedication, and purpose,” she said.

She said that together with Turowsky and staff, Giggle Gardens will continue nurturing minds and growing futures for the next 30 years and beyond.

Cardenales said her first priority is to work together with their students, families, staff, and community “to create a safe, loving, and high-quality learning environment where every child can thrive.”

She said she has remained committed throughout her educational career to teaching, leadership, curriculum developmental and student success.

From Ana G. Mendez University in Florida, she holds:

A Master’s Degree in English Teacher K-12, focused on language development, literature, writing, and curriculum across all grade levels;

A Master’s Degree in Curriculum Designer and Learning, with expertise in creating engaging, standards-based curriculum and innovative learning experiences;

And a Master’s Degree in Educational Supervision and Leadership, with preparation in leading teams, supporting educators, and promoting quality education.

“I am deeply committed to supporting all learners, including children with special needs,” she said. “Through patience, compassion, and individualized teaching, I strive to help every child develop confidence, communication, and a love for learning – in English and Spanish.”

Added Cardenales, “every child has the potential to shine. Our job is to guide them with love, patience, and the right tools.”

She said they will continue to uphold the values, vision, and excellence that make Giggle Gardens so special,” she said. “Here’s to our past, our present’s nd a bright future together.”

The new number to call to enroll at Giggle Gardens is 413-309-9291.

07/17/2026

Call today!

07/10/2026

The reconstruction of Main Street is officially underway.

We've received a number of questions asking why there hasn't been much visible road work yet, so I wanted to provide an update on where the project stands.

Right now, crews are replacing curbs and sections of sidewalk while also upgrading crosswalks to meet current ADA accessibility standards. Work began on the eastbound side of Main Street at Bridge Street and is moving toward Park Street. Once that side is complete, crews will reverse direction and complete the same work on the opposite side of the street.

These improvements are an important first step before the roadway itself can be reconstructed.
After the curb and sidewalk work is complete, the project will move into the next phases, including water main work on West School Street, drainage improvements for the new bump outs, installation of the bump outs and rapid flashing pedestrian beacons, and finally reconstruction, paving, and the installation of speed humps.

We are working within the contractor's construction schedule, and the reconstruction and paving of Main Street will be completed before the end of this construction season.

If you'd like to follow the project, you can view the construction plans using the link below. You can also check out this year's paving calendar to see what other road projects are planned throughout town. The Main Street plans are also available on the DPW page for anyone interested in following along.

https://www.townofwestspringfield.org/Business/Public-Works/DPW-Active-Projects/Main-Street-Redesign

07/09/2026

Two years ago this summer! This investment has paid off many times over for our children and families. You can tell the minute you walk into a childcare center whether they prioritize the best kind of experiences, and we're proud of the message our property sends to our community.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day, from all of our little independent firecrackers to you! ♥️🧨