Nurturing Early Learning Programs in the Heart of DTLA
Ages 6 Weeks - 5 Years
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy of early education is based on child development theory and research, indicating that children learn best in an environment that respects them as active and competent learners. It is the role of early educators to provide a learning environment that inspires a sense of wonder, supports engagement through play, fosters language development, and aids in developing critical thinking and inquiry.
This type of facilitative learning sets a foundation for children to form a positive sense of self, build trusting relationships with adults, and develop friendships with their peers. In this community, children learn to take care of themselves, their peers, and their physical environment. We believe that children, their families, and society all benefit from a high-quality, early childhood program and that there is a critical link between a child’s early experiences and later successes in life.
We value and acknowledge children by treating them respectfully, with courtesy, patience, and compassion. Adults modeling these behaviors in their daily interactions give children the opportunity to practice their social behaviors in their classroom, their homes, and in their community.
Guiding Principles
Relationships are the foundation for collaboration, building partnerships and developing community with others. Positive relationships between children and adults are essential for the development of a child’s sense of self, fostering their capacity for self-regulation, learning how to interact with others, and making friends.
Family and Community partnerships create meaningful connections for adults and children and offer invitations for learning about ourselves, others, and the world.
Play is the context in which children learn and develop. As children engage in play with the support of attentive and observant early educators, they can extend their ideas and discoveries into formal education in developmentally appropriate ways.
Responsiveness to individuals is key to building trust and relationships
Anti-Bias Education involves creating a community that supports all dimensions of human differences, including culture, race, language, ability, learning styles, ethnicity, family structure, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, and socioeconomic differences. Diversity occurs when children's lives are reflected and shared responsibly in the classroom.
Relationships are the foundation for collaboration, building partnerships and developing community. Positive relationships between children and adults are essential for the the development of a child's sense of self, fostering their capacity for self-regulation, learning how to interact with others, and making friends.
Play is the context in which children learn and develop. As children engage in play with the support of attentive and observant early educators, they can extend their ideas and discoveries into learning.
Guiding Principles
Responsiveness to individuals is key to building trust and relationships.
Our Centers
Our centers are open year round, except for weekends and major holidays.
Joy Picus Child
Development Center
