About Us

Center-based learning creates clear cut areas for learning. Including centers in the classroom encourages young children to explore materials on their own and gives children the chance to choose what they want to try. One child may choose to use a microscope in the science center, while another independently explores plastic bugs with a magnifying glass. This exploration develops self-confidence, prepares the children for the similar choice-times they will make in Kindergarten, and breeds creativity as most often centers include raw materials. The materials in each learning center encourage hands-on exploration. Even though centers encourage play, they help children learn. Just because a child is playing with blocks or finger painting doesn't mean that she isn't learning as well. For example, playing in the block area can help children learn basic ideas such as shapes, patterns, and colors. Finger painting is a tool for early handwriting.

 

Each center has a different educational focus, such as motor skill or cognitive development, which inspires hands-on learning in an organized way. Centers are coordinated based on content or activity areas, such as dramatic play, reading, art, science, manip​ulatives, and blocks.

 

At Child Development Program, centers begin in Toddler I (Safari Room) and continue through Pre-K 4 (The Honey Bees.) Though the items and goals of the centers may develop and grow with the child, the principle remains the same: Learning through play is the most effective way to inspire a love of learning.