We are a child--led program sometimes referred to play-based, but I don't feel it provokes the respect deserved for following a child's lead and the benefits that result. This is often leads to a child getting messy paint, mud, or other materials. and that is okay, we all dress to play. Studies are showing a large portion of children are not getting enough sensory experiences and it is showing up as behavior challenges. It also often leads to the rooms looking untidy when the children are deep into a plan. This is also okay; children are free to move and mix items around the class. This is often a play-schema which is a driving need that should be honored.

We work on school readiness by helping them develop a solid social-emotional base. Giving them the tools to problem solve social interactions. The time to do open-ended art, experiments, move their bodies, build core strength so when they do go to a teacher-led classroom they are ready.

Children are given opportunities for mark-making, writing, storytelling, measuring, counting, independent decisions, small motor, large motor, cognitive growth and more in both classrooms. As STEAM and STEM are actually what children do naturally when you don't provide toys that do the learning for them, they are continuously exposed to opportunities.

We have limited, "toys" in the classrooms as they are full of authentic materials. Real items that children see adults using instead of plastic versions.

School-Age Program will follow these same values. Due to COVID many children missed out on opportunities to build social skills.