Give Your Child the Special Experience of Intergenerational Learning at the Center for Thriving Children

Making the decision about where to send your child while you’re at work during the day is a daunting one. Not only can it be hard to imagine your child being under someone else’s care, you also have to sift through the many local options to find the best fit for your family.

But here’s something unique about Imprints Cares’ Center for Thriving Children: The children enrolled will not only experience high-quality childcare in a new state-of-the-art facility, they will also have the opportunity to interact with older adults from Brookridge Retirement Community, giving them an intergenerational experience.

You’ll find that special model at the newly opened Center for Thriving Children, which is located at Brookridge Retirement Community. Their innovative intergenerational model means your child will be given the opportunity to build relationships, develop empathy, and gain confidence through those connections…and it’s something you won’t find elsewhere in the Triad.

“To our knowledge, this is the only program of its kind in the area—and one of a relatively small number of true intergenerational childcare models in North Carolina,” said Betty West, Director of Expanded Learning at Imprints Cares. “There are examples around the country, and even internationally, but they remain the exception rather than the rule. Imprints Cares, Brookridge, and the community are very proud that Forsyth County gets to be a leader on this.”

So how does this intergenerational enrichment piece come to life, exactly?

Imagine a 3-year-old sitting next to a 78-year-old during story time—the senior reading aloud, the child pointing at pictures and asking, “Why?” That kind of moment will happen organically at the Center for Thriving Children. It’s not a field trip or a special event. It’s just any regular weekday.

And not only is this a unique early learning model for the Triad, it’s also one with strong results, based on research.

“Studies show that children in intergenerational programs demonstrate stronger language development, better social-emotional skills, and greater empathy than peers in traditional settings,” said West. “The interactions with older adults who have more patience and time—and who genuinely delight in children—creates a calm, nurturing environment that supports secure attachment. On the flip side, research from institutions like Generations United has documented measurable reductions in depression and loneliness among seniors who engage regularly with young children. So this model is genuinely good medicine for both populations.”

Part of the well-established Imprints Cares family, which has been supporting Forsyth County families for nearly 60 years, the Center for Thriving Children is so much more than just childcare. It’s a high-quality early learning education that prioritizes literacy and social-emotional development. Thanks to high-caliber educators and intentional programming, children develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a genuine love for learning that extends well beyond the classroom.

For families searching for full-day childcare for infants all the way up to 5 year olds who want their children to be part of a warm, joy-filled environment with the added layer of intergenerational learning and relationships, the Center for Thriving Children is ready to welcome you into the fold.

Discover the difference intergenerational learning makes. Discover the Center for Thriving Children.

*Sponsored by the Center for Thriving Children