At Open Doors Preschool, we believe that early childhood education is about more than just ABCs and 123s. It’s about nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. From the moment a child walks through our doors, they enter a space where their emotional well-being, cognitive skills, physical health, creativity, and sense of community are all encouraged to bloom.
So, what exactly does “whole child development” mean, and how do we put it into practice? Let’s walk you through our philosophy, approach, and daily practices that make Open Doors Preschool a truly transformative place for young learners.
What is Whole Child Development?
Whole child development is an educational philosophy that focuses on every part of a child’s growth—not just academics. It includes:
- Cognitive Development: How children think, learn, and solve problems
- Social-Emotional Development: How they manage emotions, build relationships, and develop empathy
- Physical Development: How they move, coordinate, and maintain physical health
- Creative Expression: How they use imagination, art, music, and movement to express themselves
- Community and Moral Development: How they relate to the world around them and understand their role in it
At Open Doors Preschool, these aren’t separate silos. They’re woven together in a nurturing, inclusive environment that honors each child’s individuality.
A Nurturing Environment, Right From the Start
Our classrooms are designed with intention. Every corner has a purpose: cozy reading nooks for quiet reflection, sensory stations for curious hands, art tables that invite self-expression, and wide-open areas for movement and play.
We know that young children learn best through experience, so our environment encourages exploration. The result? Children feel safe, valued, and ready to engage. They learn to take risks, ask questions, and grow with confidence.
Curriculum Built for the Whole Child
Our play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum is tailored to the interests and developmental levels of each child. Whether it’s counting ladybugs in the garden, painting their favorite storybook character, or solving a problem with friends, every activity serves a purpose.
Here’s how we integrate different aspects of whole child development into our curriculum:
- Cognitive: We build foundational skills through puzzles, storytelling, counting games, and science experiments.
- Social-Emotional: We practice daily affirmations, emotional check-ins, and guided group discussions about feelings.
- Physical: We encourage daily outdoor play, obstacle courses, dance, and fine-motor activities like clay sculpting.
- Creative: We offer a rich variety of materials for painting, music-making, building, and dramatic play.
- Community Engagement: We celebrate diverse holidays, host local artists, and visit neighborhood spots like the library and community garden.
Our Teachers: The Heart of the Experience
Teachers at Open Doors Preschool aren’t just educators—they’re guides, mentors, and champions of childhood. Trained in early childhood education and development, our teachers approach each day with patience, insight, and a deep respect for children’s unique paths.
They observe closely, looking for signs of growth or challenge, and tailor their support accordingly. Need help managing big feelings? They’ll sit beside you. Ready to sound out your first word? They’ll cheer you on. Not quite sure how to join the block tower crew? They’ll model how to connect and collaborate.
We also invest in continuous professional development so our educators stay current with the best practices in early childhood care.
Partnering with Parents
We know that parents are a child’s first teachers—and ongoing partners in learning. That’s why we maintain open, ongoing communication with families. Whether through weekly updates, parent-teacher conferences, or spontaneous playground chats, we make sure parents are informed, empowered, and supported.
We also offer family engagement events, such as:
- Parent workshops on child development
- Volunteer opportunities in the classroom
- Storytime sessions led by family members
- Cultural celebrations that reflect our diverse community
Together, we build a village of care that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Social-Emotional Learning: The Foundation of Success
We believe that emotional intelligence is just as important as academic readiness. Our social-emotional curriculum teaches children how to identify and express feelings, manage stress, resolve conflicts peacefully, and show compassion.
Using tools like feeling charts, storytelling, and role play, we give children the vocabulary and strategies they need to thrive socially. As they develop empathy and resilience, they also become better learners, friends, and community members.
Creativity as a Language
At Open Doors, creativity isn’t a side activity—it’s a central language of learning. Children are natural artists and storytellers, and we honor that by giving them plenty of space to express themselves through:
- Painting and collage
- Music and rhythm instruments
- Puppet shows and role play
- Building with blocks and recycled materials
This freedom to explore and express not only nurtures imagination, but also builds fine motor skills, cognitive planning, and emotional regulation.
A Strong Connection to the Community
Whole child development also means helping children understand the world beyond their own experience. Through community partnerships, field trips, and guest visits, we introduce children to the idea of belonging to something bigger.
Whether it’s visiting a fire station, planting vegetables in a community garden, or celebrating International Day, we help children see that their actions matter—and that the world is full of possibilities.
Why It Matters: A Lasting Impact
Children who receive whole child-focused early education are more likely to succeed academically, develop positive relationships, and grow into confident, compassionate adults.
At Open Doors Preschool, we don’t just prepare children for kindergarten. We help lay the foundation for a lifetime of joyful learning, emotional wellness, and responsible citizenship.
In Closing: Opening Doors to the Future
Whole child development isn’t a buzzword—it’s the heart of everything we do at Open Doors Preschool. From nurturing the smallest spark of curiosity to helping children name their big feelings, we’re here to support every aspect of their growth.
And as our name suggests, we’re not just opening doors to preschool. We’re opening doors to possibility, to purpose, and to a future full of promise.
Contact Open Doors Preschool today to get your child enrolled.
