The Classrooms

Infant Classrooms

There are three classrooms for infants, supported by a dedicated infant piazza. This is an open and flexible space, with windows looking onto the outside world, and rotating equipment to meet the need for motor development and movement. Infants are in groups no larger than seven each day, with four teachers covering the span of their time with us. Because they are each growing at their own pace, the day is individualized and tailored to meet the needs of each baby. Time is spent indoors and outdoors, either on the dedicated infant playground or on a neighborhood walk. During the day, classrooms can use the piazza as an additional play space, allowing groups to mix, as appropriate, and to allow active play while others are sleeping. Infants develop quickly, and teachers respond with regular and intentional changes to the physical environment and choice of materials.

Toddler Classrooms

Toddler classrooms are arranged with children’s autonomy and safe exploration in mind. Classrooms provide space for active play, sensory and art experiences, emergent pretend play and quiet areas for reading, relaxing and snuggling. Bathrooms provide options for diapering and emergent toileting, and everything is built at the children’s level, encouraging independence and building a sense of competence. Toddlers are active and social learners, so time each day is spent outdoors or in the movement studio, to ensure opportunities for climbing, bike-riding and the development of physical skills.

Preschool Classrooms

Our preschool classrooms are generously proportioned for larger groups, ensuring space for the many languages that preschool children will be mastering: imaginative play, block building, emergent writing and reading, sensory and science explorations, and artistic expression. Preschool-aged children engage deeply in their learning and we find that by offering them opportunities to dive deeply into a topic of interest, we allow them to explore and strengthen all areas of their development. Building curriculum around children’s interests allows them to be the protagonist in their own learning and at the same time challenges staff to learn alongside children as they support rich emergent curriculum. We also use our neighborhood context to broaden our perspectives, trying out the challenges at new playgrounds, shopping for ingredients for cooking projects and participating in the wider world.