The whole-child approach

We teach the whole child: head, heart, and hands.

Real readiness isn't a stack of flashcards. It's confidence, curiosity, kindness, and the joy of figuring things out. Here's how we nurture all of it.

Children exploring, play-based learning

Emergent, play-based, and led by genuine curiosity.

Instead of a one-size script, our educators observe what lights each child up and build learning around it: blocks become engineering, art becomes expression, story-time becomes literacy.

Our approach blends play-based and emergent learning: when a child's interest sparks, we follow it, weaving in the skills and concepts that grow naturally from genuine curiosity.

Every child, fully supported.

Social & emotional

Naming feelings, resolving conflict, and building the secure relationships that make learning possible.

Cognitive & language

Rich conversation, stories, early math and literacy woven into play, never drilled.

Physical & motor

Climbing, drawing, pouring, dancing: big and small muscles, every single day.

Creative & expressive

Open-ended art, music, and dramatic play that say: your ideas matter.

Rhythms that feel like home.

Predictable routines help little ones feel safe, with plenty of room to follow the day where it leads.

Morning
Arrival & free play

Soft welcomes and gentle starts.

Circle
Morning circle

Songs, stories, and the day's plan.

Centers
Learning centers

Child-led exploration across the room.

Outdoors
Active play

Movement, fresh air, and big-body play.

Midday
Lunch & rest

Fresh meals, then quiet and naps.

Afternoon
Projects & pickup

Art, music, and happy goodbyes.

The IHC difference.

 Typical centerIHC Child Development
Group sizesLarge roomsSmall, intimate groups
CurriculumWorksheet-drivenPlay-based & emergent
SafetyBasic complianceBacked by health system standards
Parent updatesEnd-of-day noteRegular communication & updates
MealsPre-packagedNutritious meals & snacks daily

See our approach in action.

Visit on a weekday morning and see our whole-child philosophy in practice.