A Curriculum Designed Just for Our Program

At Dean Family Child Care Home, our curriculum is truly one of a kind. It blends the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards with the Reggio Emilia philosophy to create a program that is both research-based and deeply personal to each child.

We focus on:

• Individualized learning – every child’s interests, needs, and abilities guide their experiences.

• Play-based exploration – play is how children learn best, and it is at the heart of everything we do.

• Social-emotional growth – we help children build confidence, independence, and strong relationships.

• Nature and the arts – creativity, discovery, and connection to the natural world are woven into daily life.

What Makes Our Curriculum Different

Unlike many programs where teachers plan for large groups with theme-based lessons, we keep our setting small and individualized. With only six children at a time, we are able to:

• Observe each child closely and plan activities that meet their unique needs.

• Create one-on-one learning opportunities instead of whole-group, teacher-directed lessons.

• Provide continuity and stability with the same teacher and same friends throughout their early years.

This approach ensures that children are not only ready for school academically, but also socially and emotionally prepared for lifelong learning.

A Day in Our Program

While every day looks a little different depending on the children’s interests, our routine provides consistency and security. Here’s what a typical day might look like:

Morning Welcome – Children are greeted warmly and settle in with play and exploration.
Circle Time – Songs, stories, and conversations led by children’s questions and ideas.
Learning Centers – Hands-on activities in art, building, dramatic play, literacy, and sensory exploration.
Outdoor Play – Daily time in our large, fenced yard with opportunities to run, climb, dig, garden, and explore nature.
Meals & Snacks – Healthy, home-style meals shared together at the table.
Rest Time – A quiet, cozy space for children to nap or rest their bodies.
Afternoon Exploration – Projects, small group activities, and outdoor play before pick-up.

This rhythm allows for both structure and flexibility, ensuring children feel safe while having plenty of opportunities to follow their curiosity.

Our Outdoor Classroom

We believe children learn best when connected to nature. Our outdoor space is designed for play, discovery, and movement:

• Large fenced yard for safety and freedom to run

• Natural areas for digging, climbing, and exploring

• Space for group games, imaginative play, and quiet observation of the world around them

Outdoor play isn’t just “recess”—it’s a vital part of our curriculum.

Preparing Children for Kindergarten—and Beyond

Our goal is to help children develop the skills they need to thrive in school and in life. Through individualized learning and play, children build:

• Language and literacy skills through stories, conversations, and early writing experiences

• Math and problem-solving skills through block play, games, and hands-on exploration

• Social-emotional skills like sharing, empathy, resilience, and self-regulation

• Creativity and curiosity that will carry them into their school years and beyond

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At Dean Family Child Care Home, every day is filled with learning, laughter, and discovery. We create a safe, joyful space where children develop the confidence and skills they need for a bright future.

📌 Now enrolling ages 2–Pre-K
📌 Limited spots available