Upon becoming a toddler, your child will enter the wonderful world of active learning, our basic curriculum program. In a active learning program, children are provided with a wide variety of materials for learning. They are allowed to choose which materials interest them in any play period. They are observed by their teachers who regularly join them in play, recognize their successes, and challenge them to explore, learn, and create. In an active learning environment, the room is divided into distinct areas of play, each equipped with toys and material to promote learning success.

These areas are:

House and Dramatic Play
Block
Art
Music and Movement
Sand and Water
Manipulative Toy (small motor skills)
Science and Discovery
Quiet Time (reading or writing)
Computer (3 years and up)
Outdoor Activities (large motor skills)

In the project approach, children are provided with many materials about one subject: books, pictures, video, art project, hands-on-activities, and field trips.

Children will have time outside twice daily unless the weather is inclement. On these days children will be taken to our "Town Hall", a room designed to allow children to use their energy even on bad weather days. We are required by the State of Michigan to provide outdoor play unless the temperature and wind chill are at or below 32 degrees.

Active learning is supported by a daily schedule, which includes play times, group times, outdoor times, meals, and rest periods.

During group times, teachers and children explore a wide range of subjects - books, music, finger plays, colors, numbers, etc. When a teacher notices particular interest in an idea, he/she will develop that interest using the project approach to learning.