Expertise and Family

A Note from Dr. Deb

Hi, I’m Dr. Deb Zupito, proud Director of Little Learning Academy and Founder of Treehouse Minds. I’m a parent coach, early childhood advocate, and longtime educator with a deep love for helping children and families thrive.

My philosophy is grounded in connection, compassion, and brain based best practices. I believe in supporting the whole child and the whole family. Whether it’s helping a toddler find their words during a meltdown or guiding a parent through a tough season, my work centers on real growth, real relationships, and real support.

Children are naturally curious and wildly capable. When we nurture that, when we lead with respect and empathy, we’re not just educating children we’re shaping a better world.

At LLA, we’re raising thinkers, feelers, explorers, and doers. We’re creating a space where children learn with joy, grow with love, and leave with confidence.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your family’s journey.
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What Makes LLA Different?

At Little Learning Academy, we know childhood isn’t a race to the finish line. It’s a wild, wonderful, messy journey of growth, learning, and giggles. Our mission is simple: nurture happy, confident, well-adjusted kids through meaningful play, responsive care, and real connections. LLA is a warm, welcoming place where children are known, seen, and supported every step of the way.

We’re not just early childhood educators. We’re play guides, boo-boo fixers, story readers, milestone cheerleaders, and partners to the parents raising the next generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers.

  • We celebrate every child’s uniqueness. Whether your little one is a puzzle master, a climber, a cuddle bug, or a curious explorer, we meet them where they are.
  • Our five classrooms are filled with laughter, learning, and love. Every day is a mix of movement, stories, songs, discovery, and outdoor adventures.
  • Our teachers are dedicated professionals who receive ongoing training and education.
    Many are also parents. All are champions for children.
  • Communication is constant and clear. You’ll hear from us daily via Brightwheel, email, or a good old-fashioned chat.
  • We believe in collaboration. When parents, teachers, and children work together, magic happens
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EXPERTISE AND FAMILY MAKE US EXCEPTIONAL

Led by Passion, Powered by Experience

LLA is owned and directed by Dr. Deborah Zupito, a lifelong learner and advocate for early childhood education. With advanced degrees in child development, curriculum, and educational leadership, Dr. Deb blends expertise with heart. She created LLA as the kind of place she wished existed when her own daughter was little.

Deb and her husband Domenic are hands-on, making sure LLA is not only safe and sparkling clean but filled with intention, love, and joy.
Real Support for Real Life Parenting

Parent Coaching with Dr. Deb

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but Treehouse Minds was created to come pretty close. As a certified parent coach and Doctor of Education with decades of experience in early childhood development, I offer personalized, practical support for parents navigating the messy, beautiful, sometimes overwhelming early years.

Through Treehouse Minds, I help families build strong foundations in connection, emotional regulation, and developmentally appropriate expectations. Whether you’re managing meltdowns, worried about social skills, or just feeling stuck, I offer tools, guidance, and coaching tailored to your family’s needs.

Parent coaching is not therapy, it’s a thought partnership. It’s the space where we sort through the chaos, reconnect to your parenting values, and create sustainable strategies that work in your real life with your real child.

Monthly check-ins, private sessions, and resources are available. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Learn more and explore free resources at treehouseminds.com Or jump right into the blog at treehouseminds.com/blog

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A Peek Inside LLA

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Ages Served

Children ages 2.5 through Kindergarten Ready.
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Hours:

Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
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Extras We Love

Monthly visitors, family events, special activities, and of course— Pizza Fridays!
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Outdoor Play

Our custom-designed playground is a daily must-do
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Curriculum

Carefully selected by Dr. Deborah Zupito, Ed.D. to support whole-child development. Includes literacy, math, science, Spanish, sign language, and lots of play.
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Security

Secure entry with cameras and individual family codes
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Meet Our Expert Team

At LLA, our team is what makes us shine. Every teacher is more than qualified—they’re passionate, present, and fully invested in your child’s experience. We hire with heart and train with intention. Each staff member receives continuous professional development and has access to educational coaching and resources that keep them inspired.

You’ll find warm greetings, meaningful conversations, and a team that goes the extra mile every day. Many of our staff members have been part of the LLA family for years, and each one brings something special to the table—whether it’s a gift for storytelling, an eye for sensory play, or the ability to turn a rainy day into an adventure.

Behind the scenes, Dr. Deb is not only leading the way but actively coaching, observing, and supporting her team. The result? A team that is aligned, prepared, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of your child.

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What Makes LLA Different?

At Little Learning Academy, we know childhood isn’t a race to the finish line. It’s a wild, wonderful, messy journey of growth, learning, and giggles. Our mission is simple: nurture happy, confident, well-adjusted kids through meaningful play, responsive care, and real connections. LLA is a warm, welcoming place where children are known, seen, and supported every step of the way.

We’re not just early childhood educators. We’re play guides, boo-boo fixers, story readers, milestone cheerleaders, and partners to the parents raising the next generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers.

  • We celebrate every child’s uniqueness. Whether your little one is a puzzle master, a climber, a cuddle bug, or a curious explorer, we meet them where they are.
  • Our five classrooms are filled with laughter, learning, and love. Every day is a mix of movement, stories, songs, discovery, and outdoor adventures.
  • Our teachers are dedicated professionals who receive ongoing training and education.
    Many are also parents. All are champions for children.
  • Communication is constant and clear. You’ll hear from us daily via Brightwheel, email, or a good old-fashioned chat.
  • We believe in collaboration. When parents, teachers, and children work together, magic happens
WE ARE A FAMILY.

Parent Coaching and Treehouse Minds

Dr. Deb's passion for supporting families extends beyond the classroom. Through her parent coaching practice, Treehouse Minds, she partners with caregivers to navigate the joys and challenges of parenting young children. Whether it's understanding behavior, building connection, or managing meltdowns, Dr. Deb offers tools, support, and science-backed strategies that help parents feel confident and capable.

You can find helpful blog posts, resources, and upcoming workshop information at www.treehouseminds.com. Her mission is simple: empower parents to raise resilient, emotionally intelligent kids while honoring their own growth along the way.
Everyone at LLA—from teachers to parents—is part of our extended family. You’re not just dropping off your child; you’re joining a supportive community. We value your voice, your feedback, and your trust. We’re in this together.
Our staff is nurturing, experienced, and endlessly creative. We focus on creating a space where kids feel safe to take risks, express feelings, and develop a lifelong love of learning. We’re always asking, “How can we do even better?”
LLA is a proud participant of Grow NJ Kids, a quality rating and improvement system that helps early childhood programs raise the bar. We are working toward a 4-star rating with GNJK and incorporate their standards into our daily practices.

We are also proud members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading voice for quality early learning.
What do parents say about us

Testimonials

Let's explore what Parents have to say about us. Let us know what you think of today’s newsletter and what you’d like to.
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EXPLORE LLA

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SEE A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT OUR AMAZING TEAM LOVES ABOUT OUR STUDENTS!
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EXPLORE KINDORI​

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HOW TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD TO A CLASS?

Interested in good preschool education for your child? Our kindergarten is the right decision!