Redeemer Early Childhood Center offers a distinctive, child-centered program grounded in the best practices of early childhood education. We want our families to fully understand the beliefs and philosophy that shape everything we do at RECC. Our approach and curriculum are guided by research and aligned with state licensing standards to ensure the highest quality care and education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, & kindergarteners.

Our teachers, board, and directors collaborated to create our statements of belief, expanding on our mission and defining the principles that guide our program. These five key areas express our core philosophy and provide families with a clear and comprehensive understanding of who we are and what we value.

For more information about our curriculum, please see OUR CURRICULUM page.

Our Philosophy

We believe…that children learn best through play.

-Children…learn best by engaging with the world around them. Our teachers create developmentally appropriate environments where every child can play, create, move, experiment, and express themselves freely.

-Children…are active learners. Each day includes opportunities for choice, independence, and discovery through play with real, meaningful materials that encourage exploration and problem-solving.

-Children…experience a healthy balance of indoor and outdoor time; active and quiet play; and both individual and group learning experiences.

-Children…thrive on routine and secure relationships. We create a calm, predictable classroom rhythm with familiar schedules and minimal transitions, allowing children to feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.

We believe…in dedicated, professional teachers.

-Teachers…serve as facilitators, caregivers, and supporters—helping each child grow in a way that reflects the heart of our school’s philosophy. They foster curiosity, confidence, and compassion through both structure and warmth.

-Teachers…are early childhood professionals who uphold our curriculum, policies, and values with both consistency and flexibility. They understand that each child and classroom moment is unique, and they respond with care and intentionality.

-Teachers…engage in ongoing professional development in areas such as curriculum design, positive guidance, inclusive practices, and health and safety. This continual learning ensures that classrooms remain dynamic, responsive, and grounded in best practices.

-Teachers…conduct themselves with kindness, respect, and professionalism in all relationships—with children, families, colleagues, and the wider church community. Their example helps cultivate the caring, respectful atmosphere that defines our school.

-Families…receive frequent updates about their child’s growth and classroom experiences. Teachers share progress, photos, and highlights through daily conversations, newsletters, electronic updates, and scheduled conferences—ensuring parents stay connected and informed.

-Family involvement is at the heart of our program. Parents are invited to participate in preschool events such as monthly Whole Group Chapel, and gatherings throughout the year. We also extend invitations to Redeemer Church’s fellowship and worship opportunities, as well as local community happenings.

-Our families strengthen the preschool through their time, generosity, and leadership. Opportunities for involvement include volunteering to set up for events, contributing to annual giving efforts, or serving on the RECC PTA. Together, we create a vibrant, caring community where children and families flourish.

We believe…in family connections through open communication, and active involvement.

We believe…in celebrating and respecting each child’s unique path of development.

-Children thrive when they are known, valued, and supported. We maintain low child-to-teacher ratios to ensure meaningful one-on-one interactions and small-group experiences where each child can learn and grow at their own pace.

-Every child develops in their own time and way. Our teachers provide gentle guidance and encouragement through each stage, never rushing milestones. We avoid arbitrary age requirements for skills such as toileting or early academics, choosing instead to celebrate each child’s progress as it naturally unfolds.

-Creativity is an essential part of learning. Children are invited to explore open-ended materials and activities—painting, music, building, storytelling, dramatic play, and more—that allow them to express themselves freely and discover joy in the process of creation.

-Children experience a full range of emotions as part of their natural growth. Our teachers acknowledge and name these feelings, helping children express them in healthy, constructive ways. Through this guidance, children learn to understand themselves and respond to others with empathy.

-Children learn best by example. Our teachers model respect, kindness, and empathy in every interaction—with children, families, and one another—creating a classroom culture of warmth and mutual care.

-As children begin learning how to participate in groups, make friends, and trust other adults, we provide daily opportunities for connection and cooperation. Teachers nurture friendships, guide conflict resolution, and help children develop the social skills needed for healthy relationships.

-A sense of accomplishment grows from doing meaningful tasks. Children are given opportunities to build self-reliance and confidence through classroom routines, problem-solving, and hands-on learning—discovering joy in their own competence.

-We believe that every child is a spiritual being, loved by God and created for purpose. Through Chapel and daily moments of reflection, children learn that God loves each of us, that we are called to care for His world, and that kindness and love for others reflect that truth in action.

We believe…in supporting children’s emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual development.