Our curriculum is based on The Creative Curriculum.

Create. Explore. Develop.

At Open Minds Child Development Center, we implement The Creative Curriculum to provide a comprehensive, play-based, and open-ended learning approach. This curriculum is designed to foster creativity, exploration, and development through child-initiated activities. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that children learn best through play and that the environment acts as a third teacher in the room.

Play-Based Learning

The Creative Curriculum emphasizes play as the primary mode of learning. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and engage with their surroundings in a natural and enjoyable way. This method helps children develop critical thinking skills, social skills, and emotional resilience. Through play, children learn to solve problems, work collaboratively, and pursue their interests, transforming traditional learning into an engaging and educational experience. The curriculum respects and nurtures individual skill progression for the whole child and harnesses the power of play through studies.

Open-Ended Learning

The Creative Curriculum provides children with opportunities to engage in activities that have no predetermined outcomes. This means that instead of working towards a specific answer or goal, children are free to explore their creativity and imagination. Open-ended learning supports the development of independent thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging children to make their own decisions and discoveries. Activities might include art projects, building with blocks, or imaginative play, where the process is valued more than the product. The curriculum is aligned to state early learning guidelines, ensuring a structured yet flexible approach to learning.

Literacy and Language Development

The Creative Curriculum incorporates language and vocabulary development, phonological awareness, knowledge of the alphabet, concepts of print, emergent writing skills, and engaging read-alouds with a robust collection of children’s books. This comprehensive approach enables children to build a strong foundation in literacy, fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Mathematical Skills

Meaningful discussions and learning experiences throughout the day help develop essential mathematical skills, such as problem-solving, reasoning, communicating, making connections, and representing. The curriculum is designed to integrate these skills into everyday activities, making math a natural and enjoyable part of learning.

Differentiated Learning

The Creative Curriculum enables teachers to effectively differentiate learning for each child, meeting them where they are and supporting their unique learning needs. This approach ensures that all children, regardless of their starting point, can progress and thrive in their educational journey.

Risky Play

At Open Minds, we believe in the importance of risky play, which includes activities that allow children to explore their boundaries and take manageable risks. Risky play helps children develop confidence, resilience, and risk assessment skills. Engaging in supervised activities like climbing, balancing, and using tools is essential for physical development and learning about personal limits.

We view the environment as the third teacher. This concept means that the physical space in which children learn is just as important as the adults and peers they interact with. Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to be engaging, welcoming, and stimulating, with various interest areas that encourage exploration and learning. By providing a rich and dynamic environment, we support children's natural curiosity and desire to learn. Download our Risky Play in Learning Bulletin below!

The Environment as the Third Teacher

In summary, our curriculum at Open Minds is designed to nurture the whole child through The Creative Curriculum, which integrates play-based, open-ended learning supported by an environment that acts as a teacher in its own right. We believe that through this approach, children will develop a love for learning and the skills they need to thrive in the future.