My son attended Southwestern college Child Development Center. The Center is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and emergent curriculum. The Reggio Emilia Approach is based on several core principles: parent involvement, enriched setting and collaboration among parents, teachers, children and the community. This educational philosophy developed within the town of Reggio Emilia , a community in northern Italy shortly after World War II. These schools encourage children to explore their environment and express themselves through their natural languages.
Emergent projects are in dept studies of concepts, ideas and interests that arise within the group. Staff pose ideas and children provide feedback that creates the direction of the project. Parents and the community can also be part of this process.
Basically, children learn about what they want to know in addition to the basics ABC's and 1,2,3's.
There are small classes. The campus is beautiful and in a safe secure place on campus.
Since the staff is in part part of the Child Development Center on campus there are observation rooms where you can observe your children while they're in class without them knowing that you're they're. This was helpful when my son cried for the first two weeks when I left him they're in the morning.
My son loved it.
Good luck in your search. Be sure and take your child on your tours.
Sincerely,
M.