Curriculum
Your Child Is in Great Hands
Philosophy
The most important goal of our early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic, lifelong learners. At EEC Preschool, we believe learning happens best when children are free to explore actively, think creatively, and try out their own ideas without fear of getting it wrong. We don’t teach children what to think, we teach them how to think.
Our curriculum is designed to meet each child where they are, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in the way that works best for them. We focus on building good habits, a positive sense of self, and a genuine love of discovery; qualities that serve children not just in preschool, but throughout their entire lives.
Reggio Emilia
EEC Preschool incorporates the Reggio Emilia approach throughout our curriculum; a globally respected philosophy that views every child as a strong, capable individual, rich with wonder, curiosity, and innate knowledge. Rather than following a rigid, teacher-led curriculum, the Reggio approach places the child at the center of their own learning journey.
At its core, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is built on these foundational principles:
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Children are capable of constructing their own learning and are driven by their interests to gain knowledge
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Children form an understanding of themselves and their place in the world through their interactions with others by working in groups and also having their ideas valued
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Children are communicators
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The environment is the third teacher and has the potential to inspire children
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The adult is a mentor and guide – Our role as adults is to observe (our) children, listen to their questions and their stories, find what interests them and then provide them with opportunities to explore these interests further.
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Children’s thoughts and learning are displayed through photographs, drawings or transcripts
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Children use different ways to show their understanding of concepts and to express their thoughts and creativity and each must be valued and nurtured. These ways of learning are a part of the child. Learning and play are not separated.
Description adapted from An Everyday Story – Inquiry Based Learning
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What a Day at EECP Looks Like
Every morning at EECP is thoughtfully structured to balance free choice play, small group exploration, outdoor time, and group gatherings — all within a warm, predictable routine that helps children feel safe and confident. While every class shares the same play-based, Reggio-inspired foundation, each program is tailored to the developmental stage, interests, and needs of the children in the room.
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Children move freely between inviting indoor centers: art, dramatic play, blocks, sensory, science, and literacy, and outdoor spaces that include a sand yard, trike yard, and nature exploration areas. Teachers observe and gently guide rather than instruct, following the children's interests to shape what comes next.
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Process is always valued over product. Children create, experiment, and discover without models to follow or a "right" answer to find. It's messy, joyful, and exactly how young children learn best, whether they're 2 years old or heading to kindergarten in the fall.