Classrooms:

Young children learn primarily through play and active exploration of their environment. At The Learning Center the process – the play itself – is the focus, rather than what is produced through product or achievement-oriented activities. A child-centered curriculum is built upon observing and understanding each child’s abilities and interests. Each child has his or her own pace of growth, personality, learning style, and family life. Both the curriculum and the adults must be responsive to children as individuals. We observe and document the ongoing growth of children and create interactive, collaborative learning environments that offer a wide range of possibilities for rich, meaningful play. Through reflection we plan next steps to take children’s learning deeper. We seek to provide materials and curriculum that reflects the diversity of our community and of our world.

In each classroom the educators plan the rhythm of the day to create a relaxed, calm feeling and offer children many engaging choices and spaces to be together and apart. We provide a balance between active and quiet experiences and allow for long periods of uninterrupted play. Most importantly, educators are fully present, guiding behavior and scaffolding learning as children encounter new challenges. We share children’s joy of discovery and support their expansion of ideas, experiences and emotions. The emergent curriculum builds on children’s experiences, connects home life to school, and, we hope, gives children a sense of ownership and excitement about learning that begins a life-long love of learning.

TLC provides a healthy morning and afternoon snack and a hot lunch. We use a food service called Taste Nutrition. To learn more please visit the website: www.tastenutrition.com Organic milk is served with lunch and snacks. Lunch includes at least one vegetable, fruit, a protein source, and complex carbohydrates.