Our Mission

our mission statement

To provide a place-based early care and education program, that nurtures the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of young children, together with their families.

Our Vision

At Lopez Children’s Center we nurture young children to be confident, strong, and competent, guiding them to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully, appreciate and respect individual differences, and function comfortably within a group.

We foster creativity, flexibility, active engagement in the learning process, and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We provide a holistic, loving and inclusive environment where all children can attend and thrive.

our Values

We Believe:

  • Parents are a child’s first teacher

  • Children learn through play and direct experience.

  • Process is more important than product.

  • Our classroom is the third teacher.

  • A balance between child-led and teacher-directed activities is best.

  • In cultivating children’s natural curiosity and creativity.

  • Environmental stewardship is an essential component in early learning.

  • Healthy brain development occurs when we nurture the whole child.

  • In accepting each child at their own developmental level.

  • Discovery and exploration occur in a safe and respectful environment.

  • our Pedagogy

    Our programs are guided by following a dynamic hybrid approach that combines emergent, play-based, and Montessori-inspired models. Teachers observe the children and plan activities that align with their interests and developmental needs while integrating key Montessori principles, such as fostering independence, hands-on learning, and respect for the child’s natural development.

    You will see a variety of intentional, age-appropriate learning activities, including:

    -Science explorations and outdoor adventures

    -Music and dramatic play

    -Painting, collage, puzzles, and games

    -Block building, stories, and writing

    -Montessori-inspired practical life activities that promote self-sufficiency and responsibility

    Our approach emphasizes play-based learning while incorporating opportunities to build pre-academic skills within our daily activities. Children are encouraged to choose activities that suit their interests and developmental levels. Montessori principles are integrated into our classroom environment through carefully prepared learning spaces that encourage exploration and independent discovery.

    Through these activities, they develop social, emotional, cognitive, math, literacy, science, and motor skills.

  • Emotional Literacy

    At Lopez Children’s Center, we prioritize the social-emotional development of every child by integrating the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social-Emotional Competence into our daily practices.

    This evidence-based framework guides us in creating a nurturing environment where children learn to understand and express their emotions effectively. We focus on building strong, positive relationships, teaching emotional literacy, and helping children develop the skills to manage their emotions and interact socially.

    Through consistent routines, individualized support, and engaging activities, we empower children to communicate their feelings and develop empathy, laying a strong foundation for lifelong emotional well-being.

  • Zones of regulation

    We utilize the Zones of Regulation to help children understand and express their emotions. The Zones categorize feelings into four color-coded zones: Blue for sad or tired, Green for calm and focused, Yellow for excited or worried, and Red for angry or out of control. By associating colors with emotions, children can more easily identify and communicate how they’re feeling, even when they don’t have the language to describe it.

    We regularly check in with children using this system, emphasizing that all emotions are normal and acceptable. This approach teaches emotional literacy and regulation, helping children navigate big feelings without pressure to "perform" certain emotions.

    Our goal is to support every child in recognizing and managing their emotions in a healthy way, ensuring they feel understood and cared for no matter which color zone they’re in.

  • Guides in Speech and action

    We use the "Guides in Speech and Action" as a foundational document that informs and shapes our approach throughout the year.

    This guide emphasizes positive communication, thoughtful actions, and fostering independence in children. By sharing it with both parents and staff at the beginning of each year, we ensure everyone is aligned with our program’s principles of respectful, supportive, and constructive interactions.

    It sets a clear tone for how we communicate with and guide the children, reinforcing the values we uphold in our learning community.

    Guides in Speech and Action

our philosophy

Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious and learn best through creative play. We prioritize the process of learning over the end product, recognizing that a child's development thrives when supported by caring adults who provide a rich, engaging environment. This approach allows children to explore and engage in activities of their choice, with the understanding that parents are their first teachers.

Our program embraces a child-centered philosophy, meeting each child at their unique developmental level and fostering learning through direct experience. We emphasize discovery, creativity, and exploration within a safe, respectful, and stimulating environment built on strong, supportive relationships. By embracing the whole child, we promote healthy brain development and a holistic approach to learning.