Our Learning Approach

Our vision is to nurture and assist every child to develop their unique abilities and discover their future unlimited potential. At The Ivy, your child can develop into a strong, confident, happy, and healthy individual – in both mind and body.

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OUR LEARNING APPROACH

As the only center in Dubai to offer Massachusetts Early Learning Standards, with Reggio-inspired principles, our evidence-based curriculum is supported by a team of dedicated educators who create a nurturing and inspiring environment

The Ivy educators believe that alongside traditional literacy and numeracy skills, it is essential to support the development of cognitive skills, independence and emotional intelligence. This comprehensive approach ensures children become successful learners and valued members of the community.

At The Ivy, we offer the Massachusetts Early Learning Standards and a sprinkle of Reggio standards to create a nurturing and stimulating environment. This blend fosters curiosity, creativity, and readiness for any school in the US or abroad.

Our approach supports the development of academic, emotional, and social skills, ensuring each child reaches their full potential. Our educators are dedicated to nurturing both the heart and mind of every child

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OUR LEARNING APPROACH

The Ivy Approach

We provide a rich, stimulating environment where children explore their interests, encouraging autonomy and fostering a lifelong love of learning. We ensure the rapid development of students by combining this with Massachusetts State Early Learning Standards, the strongest standards in the USA, and recognized worldwide.
Through group projects and social interaction, children develop essential communication and teamwork skills.
Our thoughtfully designed spaces inspire creativity and curiosity, allowing children to learn through discovery and hands-on experiences.
The Ivy's "Three C's" framework guides every aspect of our teaching and learning.

Confidence: We empower children to take charge of their learning, encouraging them to explore, make choices, and express their ideas.

Compassion: By fostering a sense of empathy and community, children learn to respect others and collaborate effectively, laying the groundwork for strong social and emotional development.

Curiosity: We cultivate a natural sense of wonder, providing opportunities for inquiry-based learning that inspires children to ask questions and engage deeply with the world around them.
Our approach nurtures the whole child—emotionally, socially, physically, and academically—offering mindfulness activities, balanced nutrition, and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
At The Ivy, we integrate digital literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability in age-appropriate ways, ensuring children are equipped for tomorrow's world.

AGE GROUPS

Our Approach to Different Age Groups.

Lower Preschool ( 18 mos - 3 years )

Children aged two to three thrive through exploration, investigation, and inquiry. This exciting stage is marked by growing independence and a surge of curiosity.

At The Ivy, our dedicated early childhood educators welcome each child with enthusiasm and respect, recognizing their unique potential. We understand that this age group is full of energy and undergoing rapid growth, so we create a self-paced, child-centered environment that supports their individual journey. Our educators carefully observe and document each child's progress, encouraging open, two-way communication with families to ensure you’re actively engaged in their learning experience and development alongside us.

This approach ensures that your child flourishes within a nurturing space that values their questions, ideas, and discoveries.

7:30am Children and parents welcomed, breakfast is served

7:30am-9:00am Free movement, indoor/outdoor experiences

9:00am Morning meeting and book time

9:30 am-11:30am Free movement, sensory experiences in the sciences, exploration of natural world, music, literacy and numeracy experiences

11:30am Lunch
12.00pm-2.00pm Sleep/rest/relaxation

2.00pm-3.00pm Child interest led indoor/outdoor experiences

3.00 pm Afternoon tea

3.30pm-6.30pm: Pick up or Afterschool enrichment activities (The sciences, the arts, the humanties) Outdoor experiences, late snack provided
In our studios catering to two to three year old children, we support the following core

concepts:

Rest and Sleep Times
At The Ivy, we establish calm rest and sleep routines for our two- to three-year-olds, respecting each child's individual needs. For children who do not require sleep, we provide structured, quiet activities that promote early literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and language exposure, including Arabic, ensuring they remain engaged in a relaxed, yet purposeful environment.

Mealtimes
We view children as capable and confident during mealtime, fostering independence and self-awareness. Educators guide structured conversations in both English and Arabic, enhancing language skills and social development, while teaching children to listen to their bodies and make healthy choices.

Independent Toileting
Our educators approach toileting with patience, respect, and trust, creating a positive, structured experience that fosters independence. We support each child's journey with care, ensuring their dignity and guiding them toward self-reliance and responsibility.

Creative Experiences
Children are provided with a carefully curated selection of materials, colors, and surfaces, encouraging them to explore and express their understanding of the world. These structured creative activities are designed to support early literacy (as children describe their creations in both English and Arabic), numeracy (through recognizing patterns and shapes), and problem-solving skills.

Core Learning Activities
Our two- to three-year-olds engage in a range of structured core learning activities throughout the day. These experiences are designed to introduce early academic concepts in literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and language exposure, including Arabic. Educators guide children through these foundational experiences, ensuring they build essential skills while nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Upper Preschool (3-4 yrs) & KG (5 yrs)

Providing an environment which enables children to flourish as critical thinkers, confident learners and resilient play partners.

Our qualified pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and preschool teachers and educators are committed to working with and alongside your child as they engage with the ever-changing nature of our world. We know children will need a wide range of life skills and an emerging sense of self as they approach their formal school years.

7.30am Children and parents welcomed, breakfast is served

7.30am-9.00am Indoor/outdoor experiences, planning for a purposeful day together

9:00am Morning meeting, story time, group conversations

9.30 am-11.30am Our pre and kindergarten day involves: Literacy and numeracy, creative arts, science and natural world, technology, small and large group experiences, physical literacy program, community and culture, problem solving and projects,

11.30am-12.30pm Progressive lunch
12.30pm-2.00pm Sleep/rest/relaxation

2.00pm-3.00pm Afternoon play, afternoon tea

3:00pm-4:00pm Planning and resetting for tomorrow, daily reflection time, projects, parent pick up

4.00pm-6.30pm Afterschool enrichment programs (The sciences, the arts, the humantites) late snack provided
In our studios for children aged three to five years, we maintain a calm, yet structured approach to the day, incorporating key elements such as:

Morning Meetings
Our morning meetings serve as an essential starting point for the day. Children are encouraged to share their ideas and intentions, helping them plan and structure their activities. They might discuss their plans with an educator or create a visual representation through drawing. This structured approach fosters early literacy and communication skills, setting the tone for a day of intentional learning.

Mealtimes
We support self-regulation and independence through progressive mealtimes. Children sit in small groups to enjoy self-served meals or snacks, using real crockery and utensils to connect with real-world experiences. Educators join children at the table, facilitating language development and social learning in a supportive environment.

Rest Times
Rest time offers children the chance to develop autonomy as they are guided by educators to rest or sleep independently. For those who do not require sleep, we provide quiet learning activities that promote early literacy, numeracy, and language skills, ensuring they are refreshed and ready for the afternoon.

Small Group Activities
Throughout the day, children participate in small group activities that include music, dance, storytelling, physical play, games with rules, and reflections on their learning experiences. These activities are designed to support the development of fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, and early academic concepts.

Creative Experiences
We invite children to explore a variety of materials, colors, and mediums, encouraging them to express their thoughts and understanding of the world around them. These creative experiences support early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills, allowing children to represent their ideas in multiple ways.

Core Learning Times
Instead of uninterrupted play, we provide structured blocks of time dedicated to core learning experiences. During these times, children are guided through activities that introduce foundational academic concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and language (including exposure to Arabic). Educators support children as they explore our thoughtfully arranged spaces, facilitating opportunities for collaboration, inquiry, and discovery.

Birth to 18 months

Infants begin their journey of discovery, absorbing the wonders and nuances of the world around them. At this stage, they are naturally curious explorers, engaging with their surroundings through observation, listening, and hands-on exploration.

At The Ivy, we are dedicated to providing our youngest learners with a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports their holistic growth, development, and sense of belonging. Our specialized educators are committed to fostering an atmosphere where each child feels safe and valued.

Our early childhood educators approach every infant with respect, care, and excitement, taking the time to understand their unique needs and routines through careful observation and ongoing communication with families.

7:30am Children and parents welcomed, breakfast is served

7:30am-9:00am Free movement, indoor/outdoor experiences

9:00am Morning meeting and book time

9:30 am-11:30am Free movement, sensory experiences in the sciences, exploration of natural world, music, literacy and numeracy experiences

11:30am Lunch
12.00pm-2.00pm - Sleep/rest/relaxation

2.00pm-3.00pm - Child interest led indoor experiences

3.00 pm - Afternoon tea

3.30pm-6.30pm - Free movement, indoor/outdoor experiences, late snack provided
In our studios, designed for children from birth to two years, we embrace they key concepts that honor each child’s curiosity, creativity, and potential:

Free Movement
Guided by the belief that children are capable explorers, our environment encourages natural movement, inspired by Emmi Pikler’s philosophy. The Ivy’s space, acting as the ‘third teacher,’ offers opportunities for infants to develop their physical skills while discovering early spatial awareness and numeracy concepts through play.

Child-Led Weaning
We practice a child-led approach to mealtimes, allowing infants to explore healthy foods at their own pace, fostering independence. Educators engage in dialogue during these moments, introducing language and literacy in a natural, relationship-building context.

Individualized Care Moments
We view routine care as moments of learning and connection. Educators respectfully involve infants as active participants, using these interactions to nurture language skills and encourage self-expression.

Exploratory Times
Children are provided with uninterrupted time to explore both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our environment, rich with sensory materials, invites curiosity and early engagement with numeracy and literacy, while educators observe and support each child’s discoveries.

This Reggio approach ensures that infants’ growth in numeracy, literacy, and holistic development is nurtured through meaningful, child-centered experiences.

Creativity/innovation

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Communication

Collaboration

Health & Wellness

Research and inquiry

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OUR SKILLS & EXPERTISE

Our skill sets guide the way we plan for teaching and learning. As educators, we are committed to lifelong learning about children and childhood, continually enhancing our professional and pedagogical methods and practices.

SEL

Digital citizenship

Compassion

Empathy

Resilience

Perseverance

Respect

Kindness

Holistic Development & Health

At The Ivy, we nurture the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially—using research-based practices to support balanced growth and well-being.

Our approach includes:

Physical Activity & Nutrition: Daily physical activities and balanced meals to promote healthy development.
Emotional & Social Growth: Social-emotional learning and mindfulness practices to build resilience and strong relationships.
Creative & Cognitive Development: Play-based learning that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Our educators are dedicated to nurturing both the heart and mind, ensuring each child reaches their full potential.

Nutrition

We understand the vital role that healthy foods and drinks play in your child's growth and well-being. That’s why we are committed to providing balanced, nutritious meals every day. We also wholeheartedly support breastfeeding mothers and invite you to visit your child’s studio to feed whenever you wish.

Parent Communication

At The Ivy, maintaining open communication with parents and families is a top priority. We are always eager to understand your child's needs better and appreciate any feedback you may have about our center. We encourage face-to-face interactions and formal progress meetings once per quarter. We also and provide digital channels for your convenience. Learn more about our parent communication methods.

The Ivy

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CONTACT THE IVY TEAM

Ready to meet us? We'd love to meet you. Register your interest for our waitlist and expect to hear us very soon!