Our Curriculum
Nature-based early childhood education is a rapidly growing trend! Children are spending less time being outside in nature playing, imagining, and learning about their surroundings. Instead, they’re spending more time with tablets, television and overly structured routines that put stress on our littlest learners. At Wildflower, our curriculum is inquiry-based though hands on play with nature infused into each aspect of the program. Our educators create rich explorative and interdisciplinary learning through both indoor and extensive outdoor experiences and supports children’s learning from start to finish.
This emergent style of learning recognizes that school readiness includes much more than just STEAM and allows educators to meet each child at their unique developmental level and to capitalize on the many teachable moments that come up during play. We focus on developmentally appropriate activities that prepare young children for school while taking into consideration their differences and interests. Children can learn in a relaxed and fun manner while still aligning with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.
Please schedule a tour to learn more about our comprehensive curriculun!
Infant Classroom: 6 Weeks-15 months
In our Infant Classroom, we provide a warm and nurturing environment where your baby can feel safe and loved. Our caregivers focus on building strong bonds with each infant while encouraging their natural curiosity and development. Through gentle interactions, sensory play, and age-appropriate activities, we support your baby's physical, cognitive, and emotional growth during this crucial stage of life. Together, we will support and celebrate each infant’s individual milestones.
Toddlers: 15-24 months
Toddlers are busy by nature and our warm and energetic educators are here to support children through every step of this phase! Our program is designed to meet the increasing needs of the toddler’s desire to explore new objects and people. Our teachers model behaviors, such as sharing, and help children name their feelings and express them in positive ways. Toddlers will move, climb & jump, explore using their senses, build their curiosity & imagination and develop language. With our teachers and families working together, each child can feel safe and confident knowing they can depend on their teacher.
Twos Program: 25-36 months
Older toddlers have an increasing need for independence and autonomy. This is also a time of increased expressive language! Our program for two-year-olds provides fun learning experiences that support the unique needs of older toddlers and allows them freedom to explore their environment and interact with their peers and teachers. Twos is all about problem-solving, exploration, language development with the child taking an active role in their choices of it all.
Mixed Age Preschool: 3-5 Years
Our mixed age approach allows the older children to serve as role models and teachers to the younger children. Often children can explain ideas and concepts to each other much better than we can as adults. The younger children often look up to the older students and want to follow their example while the older students enjoy being the expert and guide. Mixed aged classrooms also allow for better self-esteem, more engaging activities, and more individualized education. We emphasize academic readiness, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through age-appropriate activities. Children who are Kindergarten bound will receive additional Kindergarten readiness support.
