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.
OUR LEARNING APPROACH
Our evidence-based curriculum is supported by a team of dedicated educators who create a nurturing and inspiring environment
At The Ivy, we measure against the Massachusetts Early Learning Standards, one of the most respected educational frameworks in the world. We blend these with Reggio-inspired practices that ignite creativity, curiosity, and joy.
We nurture the whole child, building strong foundations in:
Literacy and Language Development
Early Numeracy and Problem-Solving
Critical Thinking and Inquiry
Social-Emotional Development
Independence and Executive Function
Collaboration and Communication
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Environmental Awareness and Responsibility
STEM
Arts including Fine Arts, Dance, Dramatic Play, Music
Physical Education, Movement, Wellness and Sport
Creativity and Innovation
In addition to our core curriculum, children benefit from enriching supplemental experiences, including:
Languages: Arabic, French
Movement and Mindfulness
Nature and Wellness: Horticulture, sensory play, and wellness routines
Sports and Physical Development
We blend structure and discovery to empower children to ask questions, make connections, and grow into confident, capable learners. They leave The Ivy ready to thrive in any school system, anywhere in the world.
Our educators are more than teachers. They are collaborators, mentors, and champions of each child’s heart, mind, and potential.
Our learning approach
The Ivy Approach
Strong Standards
We offer a rich, stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore their interests, build independence, and develop a lasting love of learning. Our approach is anchored in the Massachusetts Early Learning Standards, widely regarded for their depth, rigor, and whole-child focus.
Collaboration
Through shared projects, conversation, and guided social experiences, children learn to communicate, cooperate, and grow in confidence alongside others.
Beautifully Designed Spaces
Our learning environments are beautifully and intentionally designed to do more than house learning — they help shape it, inviting children into a daily experience of discovery, creativity, and thoughtful engagement.
Holistic Focus on Wellbeing
Our approach to wellbeing extends beyond the classroom. We integrate emotional support, balanced nutrition, on-site pediatric guidance, and access to a trusted network of medical and child development experts from leading institutions, helping ensure children are supported with care, depth, and intention.
we are experts in childhood
We are committed to continuous learning in child development, pedagogy, and practice, so that our teaching remains thoughtful and responsive.
Creativity / Innovation
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Communication
Collaboration
Research & Inquiry
SEL
Digital Citizenship
Compassion
Empathy
Resilience
Perseverance
Respect
Kindness
Creativity / Innovation
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Communication
AGE GROUPS
Our Approach to Different Age Groups
Early Preschool (Birth to 18 months)
Infants and young toddlers are natural explorers, soaking in the sights, sounds, and sensations of their world. In these earliest years, every smile, sound, and interaction builds the foundation for lifelong learning.
At The Ivy, we create a nurturing, responsive environment where each child feels secure, seen, and supported. Our routines are thoughtfully designed to align with each child’s individual rhythms, respecting their sleep, feeding, and play needs while encouraging sensory exploration, mobility, and social-emotional connection.
Educators provide consistent, warm interactions that build trust and support healthy attachment. Through observation, gentle guidance, and ongoing family communication, we tailor experiences to each child's developmental stage and interests. Whether through tummy time, language-rich storytelling, or quiet moments of bonding, every interaction is purposeful, supporting holistic growth in cognitive, physical, emotional, and social domains.
AM Routine
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Arrival & Family Check-In: Parents share updates on feeding, sleep, and mood. Educators warmly welcome each infant and begin the day with comforting one-on-one attention.
8:15 AM-9:00 AM
Unhurried, supervised play on soft mats or open shelves with simple, natural toys. Tummy time, reaching, rolling, and crawling are encouraged based on developmental stage.
Outdoor experiences
Outdoor experiences
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Individualized feeding according to each baby’s needs and family preferences.
Individualized care routines according to each baby’s needs and family preferences
Sensory & Social experiences
Exposure to core learning experiences
Individualized care routines according to each baby’s needs and family preferences
Sensory & Social experiences
Exposure to core learning experiences
11:30 AM - As Needed
Lunch and feeding according to baby and toddler needs and family preferences
Naps & Rest Time: Infants follow their own sleep cues and rhythms
Naps & Rest Time: Infants follow their own sleep cues and rhythms
PM Routine
Afternoon - onwards
Free movement, sensory experiences in the sciences, exploration of the natural world, music, literacy, and numeracy experiences, outdoor physical and sensory activities
Departure & Family Communication
Families are updated on feeding, naps, mood, and key moments. Consistent communication builds trust and ensures continuity of care at home.
Key Concepts
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.
This Reggio approach ensures that infants’ growth in numeracy, literacy, and holistic development is nurtured through meaningful, child-centered experiences.
Junior Preschool (18 mos - 3 years )
During this stage, children begin to assert their independence, explore their environment more confidently, and engage in early social experiences. They are rapidly developing language, motor skills, and a sense of self, making this a vital time for nurturing routines and supportive relationships.
At The Ivy, our Lower Preschool routines are intentionally structured to balance consistency with freedom of movement and choice. Children participate in daily rhythms that include sensory play, music and movement, mealtimes, outdoor exploration, and moments of quiet reflection or rest. These predictable patterns help toddlers feel safe and capable while developing essential skills.
Our educators offer respectful guidance, encouraging early self-help skills such as feeding, dressing, and toilet learning based on each child’s readiness. Through parallel and emerging cooperative play, children begin to understand shared space, emotions, and early social problem-solving. Language-rich environments, art materials, and loose parts play foster expression and discovery, laying the foundation for confident, capable learners.
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AM Routine
7:30 AM - 8:15 AM
Children and parents welcomed, breakfast is served
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Free Play: Children are welcomed into a safe, engaging environment where they can choose activities that interest them, fostering independence and decision-making skills.
Morning Meeting: Short, interactive sessions with songs, stories, and discussions to build language skills and a sense of community.
Morning Meeting: Short, interactive sessions with songs, stories, and discussions to build language skills and a sense of community.
9:15 AM- 11:30 AM
Core learning, free movement, sensory experiences in the sciences, exploration of STEM, literacy and numeracy experiences.
11:30 AM
Lunch
PM Routine
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sleep/Rest: A consistent rest period to support physical growth and emotional regulation.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Child interest led indoor/outdoor experiences, enrichment subjects, music, dance, yoga, sport, second languages (Arabic, French)
3:00 PM -3:30 PM
Afternoon tea
3:30 PM - 6.30 PM
Pick up or Afterschool enrichment activities
Key Concepts
In our studios catering to two to three year old children, we support the following coreconcepts:
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 (5-6 yrs)
Children in this age group are eager to connect, express themselves, and understand how the world works. As their attention span, language, and sense of identity grow, they thrive in environments that offer both structure and space for exploration.
At The Ivy, our daily routines are thoughtfully designed to encourage independence, collaboration, and critical thinking. Children participate in morning meetings, project-based explorations, fine motor activities, language and numeracy experiences, and outdoor learning. Our day flows with intention, balancing focused learning blocks with free play, movement, creative arts, and rest.
Educators act as co-learners and facilitators, encouraging questions, extending thinking, and supporting social-emotional growth through reflective conversations and peer interactions. Children are guided through increasingly complex group routines and responsibilities, helping them build the executive function, resilience, and social awareness needed for a smooth transition to formal schooling.
AM Routine
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Children and parents are welcome, breakfast is served
8:45 AM - 9.30 AM
Indoor/outdoor experiences, planning for a purposeful day together
9:35 AM - 11:30 AM
Morning meeting, story time, group conversations.
Core Learning: 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,
Core Learning: 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,
11:30 AM - 12:30 AM
Progressive lunch
PM Routine
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Sleep/rest/relaxation
2:00 PM -3:00 PM
Afternoon tea
Core: Literacy, STEM, Numeracy, Arts, Physical Education/Movement, Sport etc.
Core: Literacy, STEM, Numeracy, Arts, Physical Education/Movement, Sport etc.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Planning and resetting for tomorrow, daily reflection time, projects, parent pick up
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Afterschool enrichment programs
Key Concepts
In our Upper Preschool and KG classes, 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.
Nutrition
During this stage, children begin to assert their independence, explore their environment more confidently, and engage in early social experiences. They are rapidly developing language, motor skills, and a sense of self, making this a vital time for nurturing routines and supportive relationships.
View NutritionParent 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.
Holistic Development & Health
At The Ivy, we nurture the whole child 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
During this stage, children begin to assert their independence, explore their environment more confidently, and engage in early social experiences. They are rapidly developing language, motor skills, and a sense of self, making this a vital time for nurturing routines and supportive relationships.
View NutritionParent 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.
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.
CONTACT THE IVY TEAM
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