Program & Philosophy

Child-Centric, Open-Ended Play

Program

Our program values the unique perspectives and capabilities of each child. It aims to create a supportive, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. We emphasize the arts and creativity with a strong belief that children have a hundred languages through which they can express themselves. We provide open-ended materials (loose parts) to promote authentic experiences to engage children’s imaginations and creativity.

Philosophy

Our philosophy centers on nurturing and harnessing children’s natural curiosity and inquisitiveness. It emphasizes the importance of creating rich, stimulating environments that provoke children’s interests and encourage exploration. We believe there is significance in slowing down the pace of early education, allowing children to delve deeply into subjects of interest while building vital skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, social interaction, and emotional intelligence.

Our program and philosophy combine two early childhood development and education approaches, Reggio-Emilio and the Curiosity Approach. Take a moment and watch a quick overview video to learn more.

Our Educational Practices

1. We prioritize the child as the central focus of education. Children are capable, resourceful, and active participants in their own learning. Our teachers observe and listen to children to better understand their interests, needs, and ideas.

2. We favor an emergent curriculum that evolves based on the interests and inquiries of the children. Our teachers adapt their teaching plans in response to the spontaneous curiosity and questions of the children.

3. We place great emphasis on the learning environment. We believe that the physical space and materials provided should be carefully designed to provoke curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Natural materials and open-ended resources are often preferred over commercial toys.

4. We document children’s learning experiences, often through photographs, artwork, and written observations. This documentation serves as a tool for reflection and helps parents better understand their child’s development and interests.

5. We value collaboration among our teachers, children, and parents. Social interaction and communication are essential to a child’s learning journey, fostering cooperation and building relationships.

6. We emphasize the importance of respecting children’s rights, including their right to express themselves, make choices, and have a say in their education. This involves valuing each child’s unique perspective and abilities.

7. We encourage active participation and collaboration with parents in their child’s educational experience. Parents are seen as partners in their child’s learning journey, and their input is valued.