Curriculum

An Emergent Approach Lets Learners Take The Lead

Teachers use proven frameworks to create an environment where children feel safe, seen, and inspired to explore. With this child-centered, dynamic approach, learning experiences evolve organically to respond to students’ interests, needs, curiosity, and questions, leading to independence, confidence, and a genuine love of discovery.
Boy uses abacus while girl watches, exploring math through hands-on learning.
Children play pretend with toy tea sets, building imagination and social skills.

Waldorf Influences Build Confident, Creative Learners

As the first Waldorf-inspired daycare in Bountiful, we’re proud to apply the principles of this world-renowned methodology to our environment and approach. Teachers tailor experiential learning to each age and stage with hands-on and sensory-rich activities that integrate the arts and practical skills into academic subjects to enhance understanding.
MorningMeal is a lovely time to ease into the day! It’s a wonderful chance to warmly greet parents and chat about their child’s evening or morning adventures. As each child arrives, give them a cheerful welcome and invite them to join you at the table for a cozy breakfast together. Plus, have some fun activities ready around the classroom for the kids to explore once they’ve enjoyed their meal. Let’s make it a happy start to the day!

Start in a butterfly pose and have the children flap their legs like wings, saying
“Butterfly, Butterfly, fly fly away. x3
“Reach up to the sky and stretch as high as you can go, grab the stars
“Watch out, some are a little pokey, bring them down to the ground
(you can use other descriptors to describe how the stars feel)
“Reach out and pull the clouds down to the ground
“Oh, they are so soft and fluffy, they are like cotton candy.

PuppetPlay is an engaging and educational activity that allows children to learn and develop essential skills while having fun. By using puppets, kids can enhance their language abilities, expand their vocabulary, and gain confi dence in expressing themselves. The interactive nature of puppetry encourages children to explore different characters, fostering empathy, understanding various emotions, and improving their social skills through role-playing.
In a classroom setting, puppets can make discussions more approachable, especially for shy students. They can act as friendly companions, easing the pressure of speaking in front of peers and prompting kids to share their thoughts more freely. Choosing an appealing puppet is crucial; selecting characters that resonate with the children can ignite their creativity and imagination.
As teachers, bringing a puppet to life can significantly enrich the learning environment. Rather than being stored away, these puppets should have a place in the classroom where they can inspire joy and creativity, enhancing the overall classroom experience while supporting vital life skills development. Through PuppetPlay, children can enjoy the process of learning in a dynamic and playful way.
Bringing the classroom outside offers numerous advantages for student learning by harnessing the natural environment. This approach not only enhances mental and physical well-being but also fosters social-emotional development and encourages a stronger connection to nature. Outdoor classrooms can lead to reduced stress, improved focus, increased physical activity, and a more meaningful application of the curriculum.
Students often exhibit better engagement and focus in outdoor settings, which can result in fewer behavioral issues and more positive interactions. The outdoor environment also provides a dynamic backdrop for imaginative play and collaborative activities, helping to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, empathy, and confi dence.
Practical strategies for implementing outdoor learning include selecting accessible locations that provide shade and nearby facilities, creating comfortable spaces with portable seating options, and integrating various subjects into the natural environment. Teachers can utilize nature walks and hands-on activities to connect students’ curiosity with the curriculum while keeping supplies simple with items like clipboards, pencils, and notebooks. This holistic approach not only enriches students’ educational experiences but also nurtures a lifelong appreciation for nature.
Open-ended art activities are a fantastic way for children to grow and explore! These fun experiences spark their creativity and imagination by giving them the freedom to experiment and try out new ideas. As they play with different materials like markers, clay, and paint, kids not only create amazing art but also improve their fi ne motor skills, which helps with things like writing.
These activities also boost self-confidence and self-esteem, as children feel proud of their unique creations and get to make their own choices. Plus, they learn valuable decision-making and problem-solving skills along the way!
Art is a wonderful outlet for expressing feelings and emotions, helping kids process what they’re going through in a meaningful way. The variety of textures they explore adds to the fun and enhances their sensory experience.
Group lunches are a wonderful way for children to learn and grow together! These mealtimes help kids practice sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with friends, all while building empathy and making connections in a relaxed environment.
During lunch, children boost their communication and language skills through conversations, picking up new words, and learning table manners. They also develop fi ne motor skills by serving themselves and can explore basic math concepts while setting the table or counting utensils.
Most importantly, enjoying meals together fosters a sense of inclusion and community, helping kids feel valued and building a positive self-image. Group lunches nourish not just their bodies, but also their hearts!
Kids can really thrive when they have the chance to rest and enjoy calming music. Not only does this soothing music help reduce stress and anxiety by lowering those pesky stress hormones, but it also offers a great distraction from worries. When children listen to calming tunes, they can focus better, absorb new information, and learn more easily.
Music also helps kids understand and express their feelings, making it easier for them to cope with tough situations and see the world in a more positive light. Plus, those gentle melodies support their brain development, especially in areas related to learning, language, and problem-solving.
On the physical side, soft, relaxing music can work wonders for sleep, improving both how long and how well kids rest. It can even slow down their heart rate and breathing to help them unwind. This peaceful state is super important for their growth and energy regeneration.
Calming music brings out those happy feelings by boosting the release of endorphins and dopamine, which can lead to a positive outlook on life. By using music to relax, children also learn valuable self-regulation skills that help them manage their emotions and unwind at the end of the day. Embracing this calming routine not only contributes to their current well-being but also sets them up for a healthy lifestyle as they grow!
Kids really benefit from snack breaks! These pauses not only provide essential energy and nutrients to keep them healthy but also help them grow socially and emotionally. Healthy snacks keep their blood sugar stable, which helps them focus better during learning activities and prevents overeating at mealtimes.
During snack time, children can recharge their brains and enjoy socializing with friends, building important skills like empathy and communication. It’s also a great opportunity for them to learn self-care routines, like washing their hands and expressing their needs.
To make snacks most effective, timing is key—snacks should help maintain energy without spoiling appetites. Offering nutritious options like fruits, whole grains, and dairy ensures kids get the nutrients they need. Plus, guiding them to recognize true hunger versus boredom can promote healthier eating habits. Snack time can be both fun and beneficial!
Learning science is an exciting adventure that helps kids develop important skills that benefit them in so many ways! Through hands-on observation, fun experiments, and thoughtful analysis, children enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Science sparks their curiosity and creativity, inviting them to ask questions and discover new answers in the world around them. It also teaches them to think logically and value evidence, laying the groundwork for a mindset focused on continuous learning.
As kids dive into scientific concepts, they expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of how things work, making it easier for them to excel in school later on. But science isn’t just about academics; it also nurtures their social and emotional growth! When children solve problems, they gain confidence and feel good about contributing to their teams. Working on science projects together helps them learn to communicate and collaborate effectively, while observing things like how seeds grow teaches them patience and perseverance.
Science also connects kids to the real world, helping them understand everything from weather patterns to the latest technology. This knowledge empowers them to make thoughtful decisions in their daily lives. Most importantly, science is fun! Its focus on exploration and discovery encourages a love of learning that can last a lifetime. So, getting involved in science is not just educational; it’s a fantastic way for kids to grow and thrive!
Learning math opens up a world of valuable skills that help kids understand the world better! It develops critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills essential for daily life and success in other subjects.
Math teaches children to break down problems and find smart solutions while boosting their confidence. It also enhances their spatial awareness and mental discipline, keeping their brains healthy.
Beyond academics, a solid math foundation makes it easier to grasp concepts in subjects like science and art. It can lead to exciting career opportunities and help with managing finances. Plus, successfully tackling math challenges encourages a growth mindset, teaching kids to embrace learning and view obstacles as chances to grow.
Playing musical instruments helps children learn and grow. It builds fi ne motor skills and hand-eye coordination while boosting memory and encouraging creativity. It also teaches discipline and patience.
When kids learn music, they improve their memory and enhance their language and reading skills. They become better at recognizing sounds and rhythms, which helps with reading. Music is connected to math; it helps kids understand patterns and fractions. Playing an instrument also improves focus and concentration.
Children who play music enjoy better coordination and brain function. This makes learning more engaging and enjoyable.
Music offers a way for kids to express themselves and manage stress. It builds their confidence as they learn and succeed.
Tumbling and gross motor activities help kids grow in many ways. These fun activities improve strength, balance, coordination, and agility while getting them moving. As they roll, jump, and balance, they build core strength and posture.
These activities also boost brain skills. Kids learn to solve problems and focus better by following directions and facing challenges. Moving strengthens brain connections that aid coordination and thinking. Remembering routines helps with memory and attention.
Tumbling builds confi dence. Mastering new skills gives kids a sense of achievement. In classes, they interact with peers, learn teamwork, and practice taking turns while managing emotions like fear in a safe place.
These activities create a lasting love for movement. The skills they gain prepare them for future sports, dance, and other activities, leading to a healthy and active life.

This program places a strong emphasis on the importance of prioritizing adults in the developmental process, recognizing that when adults cultivate self-control and emotional regulation, they serve as powerful role models for children. By demonstrating positive behaviors, adults create a nurturing environment that naturally encourages children to establish their own self-discipline.

Instead of resorting to punitive measures, Conscious Discipline fosters strong relationships and meaningful connections. It views misbehavior as a skill defi cit that needs to be addressed through teaching and guidance rather than punishment. This perspective shifts the focus from discipline as a form of correction to discipline as a learning opportunity, encouraging growth and understanding.

The program draws upon extensive brain research to facilitate a shift in individuals from unconscious, reactive states to conscious, thoughtful responses. This transition is critical for promoting effective self-regulation, allowing both adults and children to manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively.

The goal of Conscious Discipline is to equip both adults and children with essential skills that will enable them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. By fostering a lifetime of effective management of thoughts, feelings, and actions, participants are empowered to build healthier relationships and create a positive impact on their communities.

Expert-Designed, Science-Led Curricula As A Guide

Our skill-building child-led PaddyWack program features two proven methods. The evidence-based Secret Stories method uses cognitive neuroscience to make phonics, reading, and writing intuitive and fun. Written by master teachers, the Starfall Curriculum integrates playful activities, songs, experiments, and experiences, exceeding state standards to prepare learners for school.
Teacher leads group science activity, sparking curiosity and teamwork.
Kids dress up, smiling together as they play and imagine new roles.

Social-Emotional Development Is The Foundation For Everything

PishPosh is our social skills component, guided by Dr Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline approach. Our loving teachers gently guide emotional regulation, self-esteem building, conflict resolution, and the skills they need to navigate the world.

Daily STEM & Nature Exploration Sparks Curious Little Minds

Activities that integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) invite your child to observe, hypothesize, solve problems, ask questions, and think critically. The ElementalTime program connects kids with science and nature, inspiring their curiosity and creating a connection to the world around them.
Children focus on crafts at a table, practicing creativity and fine motor skills.
Two toddlers explore a garden box, touching green leaves and learning through hands-on outdoor play.

Music, Art, Gardening & More Enrichments Every Day

From baby signing in the infants’ rooms to messy art and melodic music sessions, your child has endless opportunities to express themselves and find their voice. As they spend time tending flowers and veggies in the garden, they connect to nature, learning about ecosystems and the world around them.

PLUS: Exciting Optional Extras:
Watch Your Child Grow Mind, Body, & Soul!