The curriculum is child-centered and based on findings of early brain development research. It is designed to meet the individual needs of each child by providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate activities that foster cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development. Play-based learning is a combination of child-directed and teacher-guided activities.

Our knowledgeable and caring educators have age- and developmentally-appropriate expectations of children’s learning and behavior. Teachers also use an understanding of the developmental stages of children to plan learning activities and build upon a child’s interests and needs.

Examples of our Teacher-Child Interactions
• Giving attention and physical comfort
• Repeat children’s words or paraphrase to help assure that they are understood
• Show positive responses to their actions letting them know their activities are important
• Kneel or sit low and make eye contact as they communicate with the toddlers
• Respond promptly and consistently to the needs of the children
• Use a kind tone of voice and gentle touch to build a bond of trust
• Give praise and show delight for children’s accomplishments and respect their struggles
• Give children choices and problem-solving activities often
• Provide one-on-one interactions or small group interactions
• Listen carefully and respond to children’s communication

Examples of our Teachers Supporting Cognitive Development
Teachers will:
• Provide developmentally appropriate hands-on materials that invite children to explore and learn
• Provide maximum learning time for cognitive development by reviewing and repeating learning activities
• Provide simple, clear choices
• Promote problem-solving skills

Examples of our Teachers Supporting Language Development

• Encourage language and communication skills
• Use descriptive words, add words to sentences
• Ask open-ended questions
• Provide opportunities for children to explore books
• Teach children words and their meanings
• Talk, sing, read to and with children

Examples of our Teachers Supporting Physical Development
Teachers will:
• Plan daily large muscle activities indoors and outdoors such as climbing, jumping, running, etc.
• Select materials and equipment to encourage toddlers’ physical development
• Provide opportunities to develop large/small muscle control and eye-hand coordination
• Provide music for movement activities
• Provide a safe environment where children can have the freedom to practice large motor skills
• Observe children’s activities to gain knowledge about their physical abilities and level of development
• Encourage small muscle development by offering a variety of experiences (i.e. scribbling, drawing, water play, play dough)