How do small children learn and grow through play?

At KinderCare Lincolnshire, Director Elaine West shares how a whole-child, play-based curriculum supports every young learner.

In the earliest years of development, learning is less about desks and tests and more about play and developing skills. But what exactly does learning look like with small children?

At KinderCare’s Lincolnshire center, those early learning moments are intentional and deeply child-centered. Teachers focus on helping children reach developmental milestones, build independence, and explore early learning concepts like STEM, letters and numbers — all while meeting each child where they are.

“The child’s interest is something that we work with, but we also follow the developmentally appropriate curriculum that KinderCare has developed over the last 56 years,” says Director Elaine West. 

That curriculum supports six key areas of development: 

  • Cognitive growth
  • Creative arts
  • Executive function
  • Language and literacy
  • Physical and motor skills
  • Social-emotional learning. 

By focusing on these interconnected areas, KinderCare helps children develop the confidence and curiosity they need for lifelong learning.

A ‘one-size-fits-one’ approach to learning

Every child learns differently, and KinderCare recognizes and celebrates each child’s unique learning style and pace.

“We don’t do a one-size-fits-all,” West says. “We do a one-size-fits-one approach. So it’s individually developed for that specific child, their needs and where they’re at.”

A small student-to-teacher ratio throughout each of the rooms and dedicated rooms for each age group helps ensure every student gets the attention they need.

 

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Get answers to more early learning questions

This content is sponsored by KinderCare Lincolnshire. To learn more, visit the KinderCare Lincolnshire website.

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