Philosophy

There is a rhythm to the week and to the day, with a soft flow between lively child-lead creative play and quieter, adult-lead activities. Here the children take much joy in creating—painting, drawing, crafts, gardening, cooking and baking—inspired by the season and what is happening in the natural world.

We provide the best in natural organic foods (whenever this is possible) and involve the children in the food preparation, growing fruits and vegetables and taking care of the environment.

Festivals and celebrations, honoring the various cultural backgrounds of the families, as well as traditional seasonal festivals and birthdays, are offered.

Emphasis is on loving human interaction with warm speech, live singing, verses, and stories rather than technology. Our Childcare Home is a television- and video-free environment except for use in administration and adult education.

The children go outside in all but the most inclement weather. This helps them become more robust and strengthens their bond with the environment in which they live. A protected area is provided for crawlers and infants. Where it is possible, infants who fall asleep outside can remain outside under the careful watch of the caregiver, until time to go in. Fresh air provides a deep, more restful sleep.

Movement/play curriculum emphasizes child-initiated activities that promote healthy musculoskeletal development, providing opportunities for unstructured, spontaneous movement in a safe environment. They also provide opportunities for the children to imitate healthy movement, develop proprioception and increase both their small and large motor skills.

We share a circle time, a time to come together, greet our day and one another and celebrate the season through verse, rhyme, song and old-fashioned circle games--meeting the young children's imaginative life as well as their love of and need for movement.