TCDN’s philosophy of early care and education centers around the belief that in a homelike atmosphere of safety and trust, children take control of their learning.

Through active engagement with materials in the environment, project work arising from interests, or relationships with others in the group, children make choices and teachers respond with caring, respect and inquiry to guide new learning.

Teachers play intentional roles in guiding children’s development by responding to learning through play and by offering relevant experiences to stimulate new learning.   

Our Core Values

Acknowledging core values in the field, TCDN is committed to supporting children’s development by valuing individual differences, promoting self-esteem, helping children learn to live and work cooperatively, and by fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.

All areas of development are valued as teachers respond to individual choices in physical, social, emotional, cognitive, aesthetic, and literacy learning. Families are of primary importance in children’s development and we acknowledge responsibility to create collaboration between home and our programs to enhance a child’s development, and responsibility to develop and build relationships within the community we serve.