While Treetop Village Early Learning Center has been hard at work the last few years to open its Port Orchard location, persistent heating and structural issues at the planned site have led to a structural engineer deeming it unsafe for children for safety reasons.
"We demanded that the landlord address the structural integrity of the roof and heating units," founder Katie Hudkins said. "As the weather got worse, we could see the heating units sinking through the roof. This was not the outcome we wanted...but the safety of our children, staff and families is always our top priority."
Despite the setback, Treetop Village continues to serve families at its Bremerton campus. The team is exploring new opportunities for expansion in 2025. The business has provided full-day childcare and preschool services in Kitsap County since 2018.
The center emphasizes a nature-centered curriculum, offering weekly art, music and creative movement classes, along with organic meals sourced from local vendors.