Our Values
Curiosity grows in relationships.
Inspired by the Preschools and Infant-Toddler Centers of Reggio Emilia, Italy, Laurelwood believes children are innately competent, capable, and curious.
We enrich that curiosity by respecting the child; building relationships with the child, family, community, and nature; listening; providing a rich, complex, and safe environment; seeing children, teachers, and parents as equal partners; and carrying out research based on children’s interests and needs.
Research
Children are researchers. Teachers prepare documentation of their work with children.
Respect
For each other, others’ ideas, materials, and nature.
Relationships
With children, family, teachers, the school environment, community, and society.
Listening
Adults listen closely to children's interests, joys, frustrations, and ideas. Children listen, share, and collaborate.
Partnership
Parents take an active role; teachers observe, ask questions, and become partners in learning.
Environment
Open-ended quality materials support choice, problem solving, discovery, and connection.