The Program

The Child Study Center has three classrooms, each designed for the developmental needs of the age group served: Youngest (Two to three-year-olds), Middle (three to four-year-olds), and Oldest (four to five-year-olds). The classrooms are inviting and spacious, with large windows overlooking our playgrounds and the Wellesley College Campus. Each classroom has areas for children to work and play alone, in pairs, and in small groups.

Classroom interest areas and presentation of curriculum materials are planned to meet the needs of the individual developing child within the context of the whole group. Our curriculum is emergent, play-based, and aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences.

Children have flexible, extended blocks of time to move freely among the interest areas and explore materials. As children play and explore, teachers observe, support, and extend their learning. These experiences and interactions encourage children to follow their sense of wonder and develop the foundation for lifelong excitement for learning and discovery.

Our playgrounds (“outside classrooms”) & nature play

We believe that it is critical for children to have ample time to engage with nature and the outdoors. Time spent in nature offers children a closer connection and understanding of our natural world and is vital to their emotional and physical well-being. As part of our holistic approach to curriculum planning, we strive for daily outside time in all kinds of weather.

Each class has its own playground designed for the developmental needs of its age group. The beautiful, natural landscapes of these “Outside Classrooms” provide children with limitless, sensory-rich experiences, opportunities for open-ended play, and challenges. Each playground has unique features, ranging from a working greenhouse and planting beds in one—to a water pump and “mud kitchen" in another. Since the playgrounds are extensions of our classrooms, teachers carefully observe and facilitate children’s learning. Materials such as “loose parts,” tools, magnifying glasses, binoculars, art materials, and books are added daily.

Beyond our playgrounds, we have full access to the beautiful Wellesley College campus and its many open green spaces, winding paths, meadows, hills, vernal pools, a waterfall, Silver Thread Stream, Alexandra Botanic Gardens, Hunnewell Arboretum, Paramecium Pond, and Global Flora greenhouse.