At Treehouse Learning, our philosophy for Play-Based Childcare in Boulder County is comprehensive, holistic, and purposeful18. We view caregiving and education within the context of the integration of each child’s unique mind, body, and spirit19. Since our establishment in 1997, we have consistently offered high-quality early childcare and child-directed, nature-inspired experiential education20.
Our educators understand that optimal learning and development occur in the context of safe and secure attachment relationships21. Our curriculum actively promotes each child’s physical, intellectual, and social/emotional growth in a balanced approach that supports the development of the whole child22.
Prioritizing Social-Emotional Health
The foundation for success in life and for all academic learning is social skills and emotional intelligence23. Our approach to Play-Based Childcare in Boulder County intentionally supports this crucial development:
- Integrated Curriculum: We incorporate the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s Social-Emotional Curriculum, movement and body-based mindfulness, and even Brain Gym242424.
- Self-Regulation: Classrooms are prepared with “cozy corners” and “regulation stations” where children can explore a variety of mindfulness, self-soothing tools, and calming techniques25.
- Community Orientation: Children learn essential interpersonal relationship skills, including practicing grace, courtesy, and collaboration with others262626. They also learn to care for the environment and the world around us27.
Learning Through the Environment and Movement
In line with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we believe the prepared and intentional environment is the child’s “third teacher”28.
- Natural Spaces: Treehouse Learning is located on $1.25$ acres in the Indian Peaks neighborhood of Lafayette and features generous large natural grass playgrounds and engaging outdoor spaces29. We value nature-based exploration and environmental literacy, which begin in our infant rooms30.
- Movement: Developmental research confirms that movement is critical to brain development31. We use intentional, movement-based awareness to activate and integrate all parts of the brain for learning through body-based mindfulness and social-emotional learning32.
Our facility is uniquely designed with children and families in mind, and the classrooms, lobby, and kitchen all radiate from the center common room, which is distinguished by abundant natural light33.
This commitment to both indoor and outdoor learning, combined with a focus on the whole child, makes our Play-Based Childcare in Boulder County an unparalleled choice for families. Our comprehensive programs extend through to our excellent Preschool & Kindergarten Boulder County offerings.
