Educational Philosophy
Education Rooted in Play
The founders of CCC were inspired by the work of John Dewey, an early advocate for experiential education, who emphasized the importance of children actively participating in their own learning. Dewey advocated for education that nurtures holistic growth rather than acquiring a specific skill-set, and believed that creating educational environments that nurture holistic growth within a social setting is our best hope for democracy.
Today, we continue to draw inspiration from Dewey and the mountain of evidence that has emerged to support the value of play-based learning in early childhood.
We believe that children thrive when they are free to explore and make their own play choices in an enriching, supportive environment rooted in strong, caring relationships.
We believe that empathy, kindness, and cooperation are key to social-emotional growth. Teachers guide children in recognizing their feelings, understanding others, and solving conflicts peacefully. These skills become the foundation for lifelong friendships and meaningful relationships.
We also know that we cannot create this environment without inviting everyone to join us. CCC is committed to building a community that reflects and respects diverse backgrounds, cultures, and family structures. Learn more about our anti-bias education.
Above all, we want each day at CCC to be filled with laughter, wonder, and moments of connection. We believe early childhood education should nurture joy, creativity, and confidence that children will carry with them long after preschool.
Our Philosophy in Action
Outdoor Play and Space to Roam
Our yards and gardens are extensions of the classroom. Children are free to move between areas, follow their curiosity, and explore at their own pace. With room to roam, children gain confidence, independence, and joy in their play.
Art & Creative Expression
Painting, drawing, sculpting, and tinkering give children the chance to express themselves in ways that words can’t always capture. Art helps kids practice fine motor skills, problem-solving, and emotional expression.
At CCC, grown-ups don’t create models or sample projects. We want children to know there’s no “right” way to make art. This keeps the focus on creativity, exploration, and each child’s unique voice rather than on achieving an ideal product.
Materials as Invitation to be Creative
Blocks, tools, loose parts, and raw materials invite children to design, test, and refine their own ideas of play. Because the materials are flexible, children are free to follow their imagination, collaborate with others, and adapt their ideas as they go. They learn to experiment, make mistakes, and try again. Most importantly, the absence of a prescriptive instruction allows children to feel confident in their own creativity.
Conflict Resolution
Disagreements are a natural part of play and community life. We see these moments not as disruptions but as powerful opportunities for learning. Teachers help children name their feelings, understand how their actions affect others, and brainstorm ways to make things right. This turns everyday challenges into powerful lessons in empathy, responsibility, and community.
Over time, children learn that conflicts can be worked through with care and communication - skills that serve them far beyond the preschool years.
Unstructured Time
We protect large blocks of time for children to follow their own ideas. Children choose what interests them most—whether it’s building, pretending, exploring nature, or simply watching others until they’re ready to join in.
Unstructured play nurtures independence and decision-making. Without adult direction, they gain confidence in their own abilities and discover the joy of pursuing a project for as long or as briefly as their curiosity lasts.