Philosophy & Curriculum
Both programs at Glenridge are grounded in the same child-centered, nature-based philosophy. The adult's role is to facilitate and co-construct knowledge based on the children's interests, needs, and questions, making learning more meaningful and relevant. Exploration and discovery nurture a child's innate curiosity and wonder.
We believe that children and parents learn best through hands-on experiences. Whether building pretend nests for baby birds, counting banana slugs on a hike, or examining bugs under magnifiers, children and parents are constantly co-constructing and learning alongside each other. These direct experiences support cognitive, physical, and social development while fostering a deep connection to the natural world.
A core part of our approach is helping children understand and express their emotions, build empathy, and develop strong social skills. We believe that nurturing adult guidance is essential as children learn to solve problems, develop language, and build confidence. Through a responsive curriculum, we aim to meet each child where they are—supporting a positive self-image, a lifelong love of learning, and respect for the environment.

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Morning Program 9:30am - 12:30pm
The morning program has a Director, a Teacher, 5 parents, and 25 children. The day begins at 9:30am with free play and activity choices including:

• art, daily hikes, dramatic play, journals

• woodworking, manipulatives, cooking

• blocks, tactile play

• gross motor movement play

We come together at circle time to read, sing, and do rhythm activities before snack. The children then have outdoor playtime consisting of tricycles, climbing, nature, art, swings and dramatic play. A brief outdoor circle ends the program at 12:30pm.
 

Afternoon Program 12:30pm - 3:30pm
The afternoon program begins at 12:30pm with a Director, a Teacher, 3 parents, and 19 children. We have lunch together and afterward the children choose from various indoor and outdoor experiences such as art, science, nature, climbing, hiking, manipulatives, dramatics, blocks, and tactile play. After clean up time we have our first circle with singing games, creative movement, and time to discuss the day's activities.The day ends at 3:30pm with snack and a story.

We have a low child-adult ratio - no more than 5 to 1 in both programs.