About Little Ivy
Strong roots, a story worth telling.
Little Ivy is deeply rooted in both professional experience and family tradition — built by an educator who has spent her life in early childhood, for the community she calls home.
Nicole Disa
Founder, Owner & Director
Meet our founder
A little background on Ms. Nicole.
Nicole Disa grew up immersed in early childhood education. Her mother owned and operated a well-respected preschool in Massachusetts for more than 25 years. Nicole began her career there — first teaching preschool students, later leading a private kindergarten classroom. Over time she also served as Assistant Director, gaining hands-on experience with school operations, curriculum planning, and family partnerships.
Nicole later transitioned into public education, where she has taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade in the Wilbraham public schools. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the academic, social, and emotional skills children need to enter kindergarten confident and prepared for long-term school success.
Through her years in public education, Nicole also observed the increasing pressure placed on young children to meet academic benchmarks earlier and earlier. While strong academic foundations are important, young learners also require time to play, explore, socialize, and develop naturally. Little Ivy was created to restore that balance — intentionally blending high-quality early academics with play-based learning so children develop curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning while still being well prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
A note from Ms. Nicole
“Little Ivy was created from a deep belief that childhood should be protected, joyful, and full of wonder. My goal is to create a place where children feel safe, known, and valued every single day.”
When children feel secure and cared for, they naturally begin to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and grow. I believe families and educators are partners in a child’s development, and I want every family to feel welcome here — to ask questions, share ideas, and be part of our family.
Warmly, Nicole Disa
Owner & Director
Our mission
Confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
At Little Ivy our mission is to provide a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where young children develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
We believe the early years are the foundation for lifelong growth. Through meaningful relationships, play-based exploration, and thoughtful learning experiences, we support children as they build strong social, emotional, and academic foundations. Our goal is to partner with families to help every child grow into a capable, kind, and curious learner.
Strong Roots. Bright Futures.
Our core values
Six values, lived every day.
Let Them Be Little
We believe the early years should be filled with wonder, imagination, and play. While we nurture academic growth, we also protect the beauty of childhood and the joy of simply being little.
Nurturing Relationships
We cultivate strong relationships between children, teachers, and families to create the foundation for learning and emotional growth.
Curiosity & Exploration
Children learn best through play, discovery, and hands-on experiences. We encourage children to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop a natural love of learning.
Kindness & Respect
We teach children to treat others with empathy, patience, and respect while learning how to work and grow together.
Confidence & Independence
We support children in building independence and confidence by encouraging problem solving, decision making, and perseverance.
Partnership with Families
Families are a vital part of our community. We value open communication and collaboration as we work together to support each child's development.
Come meet us
Give your littlest learner a curated start.
The best way to know whether a school is right for your child is to stand in it. Book a visit, walk the rooms, and picture your littlest learner here.