IN THE CLASSROOM

LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

We view each child as a competent, imaginative, and curious self-learner. Given a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment; they will explore their own interests at their own pace. Rather than directing learning through a strict, teacher-led curriculum, we provide various learning opportunities through emergent curriculum. Teachers carefully design captivating learning experiences based on the cohort's current interests. Introduction to, and use of, letters and numbers is integrated into our exploration of learning topics in our project-based work. Learning topics emerge from the interests of the children and are explored as small groups during group meeting times.

Learn more about how we create positive learning environments.

ART & SCIENCE

We offer time and materials each day for artistic exploration - sometimes that means setting out creative supplies for those children electing to work on art. Other times, children will work in small groups on long–term, more involved projects, with more guidance from their Teacher. We believe in the importance of the process of making art, rather than focusing on a prescribed product.

MEALS

All food served at ChildRoots is organic, vegetarian and nut-free. We serve lunch and two snacks daily. Meals served incorporate a grain, bean, fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy.

Produce is served fresh, either roasted or steamed. Beans and grains have minimal seasoning. By serving a variety of nutritious, delicious foods in their natural state; children are able to acquire a taste for whole, unprocessed foods. This inspires children to establish healthy eating habits that will last far after the time that they’re with us.

Learn more about our meals and nutrition program.

REST

Children sleep on individual rest mats. Cribs and other contraptions used to confine a child to one space are not used in our schools. We believe that children sleep better when teachers are tuned into each child’s individual rhythms and cues, and when these sleep patterns are observed and followed.

CLASSROOM MATERIALS

We believe that children benefit from natural, open-ended, enchanting, dynamic, and inspiring materials: toys and environments that intentionally scaffold learning. Toys are rotated on a regular basis to ensure that children are continually challenged by, and engaged in, their environments.

OUTDOOR PLAY

All enrolled children go outside at least once a day, rain or shine - walking children are usually outside 2 to 3 times per day. Our playground spaces and outdoor classrooms are specifically designed to promote gross motor movement: room to run, stumps and loose parts for crawling and climbing onto, a rock pit for digging, and, in the summer months, we provide opportunities for water play. We are continually changing and adapting our yard area to meet the needs of the children.

Learn more about outdoor play at ChildRoots.

DIAPERING AND POTTY TRAINING

Diapers are changed every 1.5-2 hours, or when immediate need is detected. Parents are responsible for providing diapers and wipes.

As soon as children are able to walk, we begin to incorporate the toilet into diapering time. Diapers at this stage are changed standing up, next to the toilet. Children are encouraged to be a part of their diaper changing process and they are invited to sit on the toilet with every diaper change. We look for signs of readiness, including bladder control and consistent interest in the toilet before moving children into underwear.

Video Surveillance for greater classroom transparency

To provide maximum classroom transparency, we are in the process of installing video surveillance at our schools; first Northwest location, next Southeast and lastly our Fremont location.

All classrooms will host 2 video cameras (bathrooms and diaper changing areas excluded from coverage), common areas and outdoor spaces.