Choosing childcare is a deeply personal decision, and families trust Schoolhouse Learning Center because of the warm, relational care their children receive each day. Our play-based, developmentally intentional curriculum supports meaningful learning while honoring each child’s unique pace and needs. Families also value the strong sense of community we foster, along with the peace of mind that comes from consistent, high-quality care across our three convenient locations.

Nurturing Teachers Who Know Your Child

Research from Zero to Three shows that responsive caregiving supports children’s development across domains.  At Schoolhouse, teachers build real relationships with children and families with creating trust and confidence.

Curriculum That Supports Growth

 

The National Association for the Education of Young Children advocates for play-based learning because it supports deep, meaningful learning during the most important years of development. Through purposeful play, children actively explore concepts rather than passively memorizing information. Our curriculum is designed to nurture early literacy and mathematical thinking through stories, songs, counting, and problem-solving woven into daily activities. Language development is strengthened through rich conversations and storytelling, while social skills grow as children collaborate, take turns, and resolve conflicts. Creative expression through art, music, and imaginative play allows children to build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Communication and Partnership

We believe in strong communication with families by sharing daily updates, milestones, and strategies.  The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights that caregiver-family communication enriches developmental supports.

A Community of Support

Centerville Learning Center is more than childcare.  it’s a community where teachers and families partner to raise confident, joyful learners.

Schedule a tour at any of our three locations!

Social and emotional development lays the foundation for all future learning. Before children can succeed academically, they must learn how to understand emotions, communicate needs, and build healthy relationships.

At Schoolhouse Learning Center, nurturing social-emotional skills is at the heart of our daily routines at each of our three locations.

Why Social-Emotional Skills Matter

Strong social and emotional skills help children:

• • Communicate needs

 

• Manage frustration
• Build empathy
• Navigate social interactions

According to Zero to Three, early emotional development strongly influences future behavior and learning success.  Children who feel understood and supported are more likely to take healthy risks and engage deeply with learning.

How Childcare Supports Emotional Growth

High-quality childcare provides:

• Warm, responsive teachers
• Predictable routines
• Guided peer interactions
• Reinforcement of positive behavior

The CDC notes that nurturing early environments help children build resilience and emotional regulation.  At Schoolhouse Learning Center, teachers use daily interactions to help children identify feelings, solve conflicts, and build positive friendships whether at the North, South, or East center.

Real Examples of Social-Emotional Growth

• Conflict Resolution: Two children want the same toy. Teachers guide them to use words, take turns, and solve problems constructively.
• Emotional Language: Instead of scolding, teachers help children name their emotions — “I see you’re upset” building vocabulary and self-understanding.
• Group Activities: Collaborative play builds negotiation, patience, and teamwork.

These skills set children up for success in school and life.

Partnering With Families

Children thrive when home and school work together.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes family–provider communication as a key support for development.  At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we share classroom insights, milestones, and strategies with families so social growth continues across environments.

Tips for Home Support

Parents can help children build social-emotional skills by:

• Reading books about feelings
• Encouraging independence in choices
• Modeling calm discussions
• Encouraging empathy

These practices reinforce skills learned in childcare.

Schedule a tour to see how we nurture emotional growth at all three locations!

As the holiday lights dim and routines gently return, many families begin looking ahead to fresh beginnings. The new year brings a sense of renewal with new goals, new schedules, and for many parents, new opportunities to give their child the best possible start. At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we love this season of possibility. It’s the perfect time to welcome new families and share the exciting learning, growth, and joy that await your child in the coming months.

A Warm Return After the Holiday Rush

After weeks of travel, celebrations, and sugary treats (we’ve all been there!), January offers a chance to settle back into predictable rhythms. Children thrive on consistency, and our educators are experts at helping little ones transition from the whirlwind of December to the comfort of daily routines. Our classrooms begin the year with gentle “reset activities” like familiar songs, cozy reading corners, and playful invitations that help children re-engage socially, emotionally, and academically.

Exciting Learning Themes Coming This Winter & Spring

At Schoolhouse Learning Center, each season brings fresh, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills. Here’s a preview of what’s coming up:

Winter STEM Explorations

Children will experiment with ice, snow, and simple cause-and-effect science activities. Our Pre-K class will explore states of matter, while toddlers will enjoy sensory-rich play like frozen treasure hunts and water-bead discovery bins.

For more ideas on winter learning, see our blog: Immune Boosting for Preschoolers This Winter Season

Creative Arts & Storytelling Month

January and February focus on imagination! Students will paint with unusual tools, make collaborative murals, and create their own class stories. These activities strengthen fine motor skills, language development, and confidence.

Springtime Nature & Outdoor Learning

As weather warms, our playground, garden beds, and outdoor classrooms come alive. Children will observe early plant growth, track weather patterns, learn about animals awakening in spring, and engage in safe “risky play” the kind of physical challenges that build resilience and confidence.
If outdoor play is your child’s favorite, check out:  Cold-Weather Play: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Why Early Childhood Education Matters

Choosing a daycare or preschool is one of the biggest decisions families make. High-quality early childhood programs aren’t just convenient.  they actively shape children’s brains, behavior, and future learning.

Here are a few powerful benefits supported by decades of research:

• Social & Emotional Skills: Children in high-quality early learning programs show better emotional regulation, empathy, cooperation, and confidence. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child explains that early relationships and responsive caregiving build the architecture of the brain.
• Language & Cognitive Development: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, early literacy exposure through songs, stories, and conversations creates strong neural pathways that support later reading and academic success.
• Kindergarten Readiness: From learning to follow directions to mastering early math concepts, early childhood education helps children adjust to classroom expectations and develop foundational academic skills.
• Lifelong Curiosity & Love for Learning: Play-based learning encourages children to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and develop creativity are skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

What Makes Schoolhouse Learning Center Different?

Parents often tell us that what sets Schoolhouse Learning Center apart is our blend of structure and warmth. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and genuinely excited to come to school.

Here’s what new families can expect:

• Highly trained educators who understand developmental milestones and individual learning needs.
• Small group settings that allow for personalized attention.
• Hands-on, play-based curriculum inspired by research and the natural curiosity of young children.
• Daily communication through photos, updates, and progress notes.
• Strong school-home partnerships because your child thrives most when we work together.

A New Year, A Fresh Start!

If you’ve been considering enrolling your child in a nurturing, educational, joy-filled environment, the new year is the perfect time to begin. Classrooms are opening new units, children are settling into routines, and teachers are ready to welcome new friends with open arms.

Schedule a tour, meet our staff, ask questions, and see why families love Schoolhouse Learning Center.
Your child’s best year yet begins with the right start and we’re honored to be part of that journey.

What It Is, Why It Happens, and How We Can Help

Separation anxiety is one of the most common and completely normal developmental milestones young children experience. Whether you’re a parent navigating tearful goodbyes or a teacher soothing a crying toddler at morning drop-off, it can be helpful to understand why separation anxiety happens and what you can do to support children through it. At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we walk families through this stage every year, and the good news is: separation anxiety is healthy, temporary, and manageable with the right tools.

What Ages Separation Anxiety Typically Appears

Separation anxiety can appear at multiple stages of early childhood, but it commonly follows predictable developmental patterns:

Around 6–9 Months: This is when babies begin to understand object permanence and the idea that people and things still exist even when not seen. Ironically, this new understanding also brings fear: “If Mom is gone, what if she doesn’t come back?”

Around 12–18 Months: Toddlers become more aware of their surroundings and more strongly attached to their caregivers. Their mobility increases, but so does their awareness of danger and vulnerability.

Around 2–3 Years: This age often surprises parents. Children who transitioned smoothly as infants may suddenly resist drop-off again. This is because toddlers are gaining independence and experiencing big emotions at the same time. They understand more but still cannot regulate their nervous system on their own.

Around 4–5 Years: Most children become more socially confident, but new schools, new teachers, or big life changes (moves, new siblings, family stress) can trigger regression.  According to Zero to Three, separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage that shows a child is forming healthy attachments not unhealthy ones.

The Psychology Behind Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety stems from two major developmental processes:

1. Attachment Development- Children form deep emotional bonds with their primary caregivers. This attachment is the foundation of their emotional security. When separated, the stress response activates because their “safe person” is gone. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that young children rely on caregivers to help them regulate their emotions. This is called co-regulation. When a child is left at daycare, the separation temporarily removes that main source of regulation.
2. Brain and Nervous System Maturity- The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for self-regulation, logic, and emotional control is still extremely underdeveloped in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. When the stress of separation hits, children rely heavily on adults to help them calm down. Their reactions are not manipulative. They are physiological.
3. Predictability and Sense of Safety- Routines help children understand the world. When something changes like a caregiver leaving children may feel unsure, and the brain interprets uncertainty as stress. Understanding this helps caregivers respond with empathy, not frustration.

How Teachers and Daycare Providers Can Help

1. Create a predictable drop-off routine- Consistency helps children understand what to expect. Teachers can greet each child with the same phrase, warm smile, or routine activity each morning.
2. Offer a special connection ritual- A wave through the window, a “hug and a high-five,” or a goodbye song can give children a grounding ritual that signals safety.
3. Use visual schedules- Pictures showing what the day will look like help reduce anxiety. Children feel calmer when they know what comes next.
4. Validate feelings- Telling a child, “You miss Mommy. She always comes back,” helps them feel seen and supported.
5. Provide a comfort object- A family photo, stuffed animal, or special bracelet can help children feel connected even when apart.
6. Stay calm, confident, and patient- Children look to adults for emotional cues. A calm teacher communicates, “You are safe here.”
7. Encourage gradual transition for new families- Short visits, parent walk-throughs, or phase-in days help build familiarity with the environment.

What Parents Can Do to Support Their Child

• Keep goodbyes short- A quick, confident goodbye works better than a long, emotional one. Lingering increases anxiety.
• Use a consistent goodbye phrase- Something simple like “I’ll be back after snack time” helps build predictable expectations.
• Talk positively about school- Avoid saying “Don’t cry!” Instead try, “You’ll have fun with your friends and I will come back.”
• Prepare your child before drop-off- Talk about the plan: “First we will drive to school, then you will play, then Mommy will come back.”
• Send a comfort item- Something familiar can ease the transition.
• Maintain routines at home- Good sleep, regular meals, and predictable schedules help children regulate more easily.
• Trust the process- Children often settle minutes after parents leave. Allow teachers to do what they do best.

When Separation Anxiety Becomes More Serious

Most separation anxiety improves steadily. But if your child shows extreme fear, prolonged distress, or becomes overly dependent, talk with your pediatrician. The Child Mind Institute offers helpful information on when to seek additional support:  You’re Not Alone for Schoolhouse Learning Center Is Here to Help.

Separation anxiety can feel emotional for both parents and children, but it is a sign of healthy attachment and normal development. With patience, consistency, and support, children grow more confident and independent. At Schoolhouse Learning Center, our teachers partner with families every step of the way to make transitions smoother, calmer, and more reassuring.  Remember your child isn’t “misbehaving.” They’re learning. And these early years of connection, trust, and support create the foundation for lifelong emotional resilience.

Building Independence in 3–4-Year-Olds at Schoolhouse Learning Center

If you’ve ever heard your preschooler proudly announce, “I can do it myself!” congratulations! That phrase is a milestone in early childhood development. At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we celebrate these moments every day as our 3- and 4-year-olds grow into confident, capable, and independent little learners.

Independence doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through patient teaching, small successes, and lots of practice both at school and home. Let’s explore the top self-help skills children are mastering at this age, how our teachers support them, and simple ways parents can continue that growth at home.

Dressing with Confidence

 

At this age, independence often starts with getting dressed. At Schoolhouse Learning Center, teachers encourage children to put on their own jackets, shoes, and hats before going outside. We use fun rhymes like the “coat flip trick” to make it easy and memorable. Children love showing off that they can zip, snap, or Velcro all by themselves.

At Home:

• Offer easy-on clothing with elastic waistbands or large zippers.
• Use Velcro shoes instead of laces until fine motor skills improve.
• Allow extra time in the morning so your child can practice without feeling rushed.
• Celebrate effort more than perfection: “You tried so hard to zip that coat—that’s great teamwork with your fingers!”

Parent tip: Keep a small basket of shoes and jackets at child height. Brands like Primary and Carter’s offer colorful, easy-to-manage options for preschoolers.

Mealtime Independence

Our teachers make snack and lunchtime part of the learning day. Children pour their own drinks, serve food with tongs, and clean up their spots afterward. This not only builds fine motor coordination but also teaches responsibility and gratitude for shared meals.

At Home:

• Encourage your child to pour water from a small pitcher into their cup.
• Let them help with setting the table or carrying napkins.
• Offer child-sized utensils and plates that are safe and easy to handle.

Parent tip: Try a small pitcher like this Montessori-style one on Amazon and non-slip dishes from Re-Play or Munchkin to make mealtime practice fun.

Toileting & Hygiene

At this age, many children are mastering bathroom routines. Teachers gently guide them to recognize body cues, use the toilet confidently, and wash hands independently afterward. Visual cues near sinks and toilets (like picture cards) help them remember each step.

At Home:

• Use a step stool so your child can reach the sink or toilet comfortably.
• Keep hand soap with a pump and paper towels or small cloths nearby.
• Remind gently: “What comes next after you use the potty?”
• Praise privacy and independence: “You went all by yourself!”

Parent tip: A two-step stool like the IKEA Bekväm or OXO Tot Step Stool helps your child feel capable and safe reaching sinks and counters.

Cleaning Up & Caring for Belongings

Clean-up time at Schoolhouse Learning Center is all about teamwork. Teachers use songs (“Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere…”) to make tidying up enjoyable. Children are expected to return toys to bins, hang up their coats, and wipe spills with guidance. These routines teach order, responsibility, and respect for shared spaces.

At Home:

• Make a “toy drop zone” with labeled bins or pictures for sorting.
• Keep clean-up short and fun—set a timer for two minutes!
• Model responsibility: “I’ll fold these towels while you put your books away.”

Parent tip: Look for colorful storage bins or cubes your child can lift easily—try IKEA, Target, or The Container Store for affordable options.

Healthy Habits & Grooming

Preschoolers are learning that caring for themselves is part of growing up. Teachers help children brush teeth after meals, use tissues, cover coughs, and practice handwashing songs. Hygiene lessons are woven into the day in playful, positive ways.

At Home:

• Sing a 20-second song (like “Twinkle, Twinkle”) while handwashing.
• Keep a tissue box in reach and remind them to “catch that sneeze.”
• Use visual routines—like a picture chart for morning and bedtime habits.
• Let your child choose a toothbrush with their favorite character to make it fun.

Parent tip: Try toothbrush timers like the BrushyBall Musical Toothbrush Timer to encourage full brushing.

Social & Emotional Independence

At Schoolhouse Learning Center, independence also means knowing how to express needs, share, and solve small problems. Teachers model calm language like:

“You can say, ‘I’m not done with that yet.’”
“Let’s take turns and use a timer.”

These moments build emotional awareness and self-regulation.

At Home:

• Encourage your child to use words for feelings instead of actions.
• Read books like “Llama Llama Time to Share” or “The Feelings Book” to open discussions.
• Practice simple problem-solving together: “What could we do if both of us want the same toy?”

Little Problem Solvers

Preschoolers thrive when they’re given choices. Teachers at Schoolhouse Learning Center often offer guided independence:

“Do you want to start with blocks or books?”
“Would you like to try again or ask a friend for help?”

These opportunities build confidence and decision-making skills.

At Home:

• Offer small choices: “Blue cup or green cup?” “Book or song before bed?”
• Encourage persistence—“You can try again; I know you can do it.”
• Praise the process: “You figured that out all by yourself!”

Developing independence in preschoolers takes time, patience, and consistency but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of early childhood. At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we believe every “I can do it myself” moment is a step toward lifelong confidence and capability.

When children are trusted to try and supported when they stumble or they learn that their efforts matter. Together, parents and teachers can build strong, independent foundations that last far beyond the preschool years.

Fall is a wonderful time for preschoolers to explore STEM! Pumpkins, leaves, and seeds provide natural materials that are perfect for hands-on learning about the world. Here’s how parents can support STEM exploration at home with experiments tied to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Why STEM & Fall Science Matter for Preschoolers 

Preschoolers are full of curiosity. STEM experiences help them ask questions (“Why does a pumpkin float?”), test ideas (“What if I put seeds in water?”), and learn how things work. These skills support vocabulary, observational thinking, early math (sorting, measuring, counting), motor skills, and confidence to try new things.

Using seasonal, natural objects brings in sensory learning by looking at smells, textures, and colors which helps children make deeper connections to what they learn.

Science Experiments & Ideas

Here are several fall-science experiments preschoolers will love, and ways you can build each component of STEM into them.

1. Pumpkin Sink or Float Experiment
   • Science: Talk about buoyancy, density, air, water. Test whole pumpkins, cut-open pumpkins, and pumpkin halves to see which float or sink.
   • Technology: Use a tablet or phone to take photos, record predictions, or use simple apps where the child can draw what they think will happen before the test.
   • Engineering: Challenge your child to figure out how to make something float more easily – maybe by hollowing out parts, or adding materials.
   • Math: Count seeds removed, measure pumpkin weight before/after scooping the insides, compare sizes of pumpkins.
2. Parts of a Pumpkin Investigation
   • Let your child help dissect a pumpkin: stem, skin, ribs, pulp, seeds, strand. Use magnifying glasses to observe. Label the parts. This is offered in many preschool STEM resources.
   • Vocabulary (Science), drawing or photographing (Technology), building a craft model of a pumpkin (Engineering), counting seeds or measurement (Math).
3. Leaf Color Change or Leaf Pigment Science
   • Science: Observe leaves of different colors; discuss chlorophyll and what happens when it fades. Do a chromatography experiment (separating pigments) to see hidden colors in leaves.
   • Technology: Use a camera to track leaf color day by day, or scan leaves via an app.
   • Engineering: Design a “leaf chamber” or box with clear lid where leaves are kept, and measure moisture or decay.
   • Math: Sort leaves by size, color, shape. Count veins, compare widths. Graph results (e.g. “how many red vs. yellow leaves”).
4. Seed Germination: Pumpkin Seeds
   • Soak seeds, then place in damp paper towels or potting soil. Watch as seeds sprout roots. Measure daily changes.
   • Science: biology, life cycle of plants.
   • Technology: take time-lapse photos or measure growth.
   • Engineering: build simple containers or greenhouses (clear plastic cup, plastic wrap).
   • Math: track days until germination; measure height; count root length.

How Parents Can Support at Home

• Gather materials: small pumpkins, leaves, seeds, containers, water, tools like magnifying glass, rulers.
• Set aside “science time” once or twice a week to make it a relaxed moment, not rushed.
• Ask open-ended questions: “What do you think will happen?” “Why is this leaf red?” “Can you make the pumpkin float more easily?”
• Record observations: draw, take photos, chart changes (this builds literacy + tech use).
• Encourage engineering thinking: “How can we make this setup better?” Let children test again.
• Celebrate mistakes or surprises as they’re part of science!

 

Schoolhouse Learning Center know just how fortunate we are to have the teachers and families that make up our early childhood center. Without the support of everyone involved, this season would not be as exciting and educational as it has been.  STEAM really is the way of the future generations to learn and grow beyond our daycare doors.

Don’t forget to thank a teacher but maybe skip shaking hands if they are covered in pumpkin goo at pick up today!