Meet Growth Mindset Learning Lab’s Co-Founder Jamal Castang

Growth Mindset Learning Lab, conveniently located on Myrtle & Clermont at the intersection of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, is nurturing the next generation of resilient, curious, and confident learners. Together, co-founders John Edwards, Jamal Castang & Adrian Mills, are reimagining childcare and early education through leveraging the teaching methodology of Dr. Carol Dwek, a Stanford University Professor, and the concept of learning through play to help children achieve the best start in life possible.

Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of the co-founders to learn more about a child’s typical day at the center, what he finds most rewarding about running a childcare center, the inspiration for opening on Myrtle Avenue, the school’s philosophy toward childcare and some recent success stories.

Interview with Jamal Castang, Co-Founder, Growth Mindset Learning Lab

Can you describe a child’s typical day at your center?
Our center opens at 7 am, and arrival time is between 7 and 8 am. We begin with a Montessori Work Period, where children lead their learning while teachers facilitate. Nutrition is critical to development and a priority; breakfast is served from 8 to 9 am, followed by Circle Time, which includes stories, music, dance, and movement.

At 10 am, we integrate conversational Spanish into our activities, and at 10:30 am, we take the children outdoors for a sensory exploration of nature. After returning at 11:30 am, we serve a nutritious, globally inspired lunch from Jambalaya, to Pene A La Vodka and Curry Chickpeas to Roasted Chicken Breast. Nap time follows from 12:30 to 2 pm.

After nap time, children have a healthy snack and engage in arts and crafts and sensory activities from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. From 3:30 to 4 pm, we have story time, encouraging active participation. We then return to Montessori Work Period from 4 to 5 pm. The day concludes with cleanup and preparation for dismissal from 5 to 6 pm.

What do you find most rewarding about running a daycare center?
Running a Growth Mindset Learning Lab is deeply rewarding because it allows me to directly impact the lives of young children in my community. Growing up in Clinton Hill, I experienced firsthand the importance of a strong educational foundation and a nurturing environment. Now, being able to provide that same level of care and attention to the next generation is incredibly fulfilling.

Every day, I see children discover new things, develop their personalities, and build relationships with peers and teachers. Watching them grow, knowing that our school plays a vital role in their early development, is what drives me. It’s about more than just providing care; it’s about laying the groundwork for their future success and wellbeing.

What inspired you to open on Myrtle Avenue?
Having lived in Clinton Hill all my life, I have a deep connection to this neighborhood. I was educated here, and the community has shaped who I am today. Myrtle Avenue, in particular, has always been a vibrant and central part of this community, representing growth and change while maintaining its rich history.

Opening Growth Mindset Learning Lab on Myrtle Avenue felt like a natural choice. It’s a place where I could give back to the community that has given me so much. I wanted to create a space where children from this area could receive high quality early childhood development services right in the heart of their neighborhood. Being here allows me to connect with families who share a similar background and invest in the future of Clinton Hill through the education and nurturing of its youngest residents.

What is our school’s philosophy?
At Growth Mindset Learning Lab, our philosophy is centered around the principles of Growth Mindset and Learning through Play. We believe that fostering a growth mindset in young children is crucial for their lifelong success. This approach encourages children to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as obstacles. By instilling this mindset early, we help children develop resilience, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Our programs are designed to impact early childhood development by integrating the Learn through Play methodology. We recognize that play is a natural and essential part of how young children learn. Through play, children explore their world, develop critical thinking skills, and build social and emotional connections. Our curriculum is structured to provide a balance of guided activities and open-ended play, allowing children to take the lead in their learning experiences.

By incorporating play into our daily routines, we create an environment where learning feels seamless and enjoyable. For example, during our Montessori Work Period, children engage in hands-on activities that promote cognitive development while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Our outdoor explorations allow children to connect with nature, using all their senses to enhance their understanding of the world around them.

In every aspect of our program, we aim to nurture a child’s natural curiosity and encourage them to take ownership of their learning journey. This approach not only supports their academic development but also fosters social, emotional, and physical growth.

Nutrition and Napping are also very intentional activities and offering. We understand how each impacts the day and overall development.

At Growth Mindset Learning Lab, we are committed to providing a holistic and enriching early childhood education that prepares children for future success in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Can you share a success story?
One of our proudest achievements has been the launch of our Discover NYC Summer Program. This program was designed to give our toddlers a broader perspective of the world by exploring the rich cultural and educational resources that New York City offers. Seeing our young learners thrive in this program has been incredibly rewarding. They’ve shown increased confidence, curiosity, and excitement about learning as they discovered new places and ideas.

For instance, one of our students, initially shy and hesitant to participate in group activities, gradually blossomed throughout the summer. By the end of the program, this child was not only eagerly joining in but also taking the lead in group discussions and activities. The transformation was a testament to the impact that a well-rounded, experiential learning program can have on a child’s development.

At Growth Mindset Learning Lab, we believe that real-world experiences are a vital part of early childhood development, which is why we prioritize taking our toddlers on enriching trips throughout the city. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Brooklyn Aquarium, where the children were mesmerized by the marine life and engaged in hands-on learning about aquatic ecosystems. These trips allow our toddlers to connect classroom concepts to the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity.

We also participated in the Brooklyn Library Read Along sessions, where children were introduced to a wide range of stories, helping to cultivate a love for reading and language development. The interactive nature of these sessions, with librarians leading songs and storytelling, made learning fun and accessible.

Another highlight was our visit to Bryant Park, where we attended live puppet shows and child centered activities. These outings not only provided entertainment but also supported the children’s social and emotional development as they interacted with peers and performers in a lively and engaging environment.

For more details, including hours and contact information, please visit Growth Mindset Learning Lab’s business directory page here.

Interested in seeing the Lab in person? Schedule a Program Tour today.

Growth Mindset Learning Lab
381 Myrtle Avenue (Clermont Ave & Vanderbilt Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11205

☎️ (929) 549-5403
✉️ info@growthmindsetlearninglab.com
🔗 https://growthmindsetlearninglab.com/