Curriculum Philosophy

Curriculum Philosophy

Play is a child’s work. The Kids’ Place espouses a play-based emergent curriculum. Teachers collaborate with families to support children in exploring their interests through play. Collaborative group work, both large and small, is considered valuable and necessary to advance cognitive development. Children are encouraged to dialogue, critique, compare, negotiate, hypothesize, and problem-solve through group work. Multiple perspectives promote both a sense of group membership and the uniqueness of self.

Projects and Documentation: Throughout the year, children engage in emergent, project-based learning experiences that build on their curiosities and inquiries. These projects foster exploration, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Educators act as researchers, observing and documenting each child’s developmental journey through anecdotal records, photographs, and individual learning portfolios.

Environment: Great attention is given to the look and feel of the classroom. Teachers carefully organize space for small and large group projects and small intimate spaces for one, two or three children.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Teachers work with an understanding of early childhood development and individualized learning to meet each child’s need. Teachers design and provide for the environment, materials, and activities to suit children’s changing developmental needs. Teachers work with families to identify what stage children are at in all developmental domains: physical (fine and gross motor), intellectual (cognitive), linguistic, social, and emotional.

INFANT PROGRAM (WWCC)

The infant teaching staff consists of one lead teacher and a floating assistant. Infants attending this program range from approximately birth to 12 months.

Early Toddler (WWCC) & TODDLER PROGRAMS (WWCC & Whitman College)

The toddler room's teaching staff consists of one lead teacher and one assistant. Children who attend the early toddler program at WWCC range in age from approximately 12 months to 18 months & children who attend the toddler program at WWCC and Whitman College range from approximately 18 months to 2.5 years old.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

The preschool teaching staff consists of two lead teachers and several assistants. Children who attend this program range in age from approximately 2.5 to 5.5. There are two preschool classrooms: the P1 classroom, for children 2.5-3.5 years old, and the P2 classroom, for children 3.5-5.5 years old.