New Hope Early Learning Center
Our Curriculum
Preparing children for kindergarten—and for life—goes far beyond memorizing the alphabet or counting to ten. Our curriculum nurtures the whole child, helping each child grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. We know from research and experience that strong social-emotional skills are among the most important indicators of long-term success in school and overall well-being.
Individual and Intentional
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Our teachers build strong, respectful connections with each child, taking the time to understand their personality, learning style, and interests. These relationships inform how teachers plan, adapt, and present learning opportunities that are appropriately challenging—encouraging growth without creating frustration.
Rather than following a rigid script, teachers act as facilitators, helping children develop the tools they need to explore, question, and make sense of the world in their own way. We believe learning is a journey, not a race—and that every child deserves the space and support to follow their own path.
A Play-Based, Emergent Approach
Our classrooms follow a play-based, emergent curriculum that is child-led and responsive to each child’s unique interests and developmental stage. We use Foundations to the Indiana Academic Standards for Young Children from Birth to Age 5 as a guiding framework, ensuring our approach is rooted in best practices and aligned with school readiness goals.
Each day, children are offered a variety of engaging activities across learning domains, thoughtfully chosen by teachers to meet individual needs and promote curiosity. Teachers adjust the classroom environment to reflect new ideas, materials, or experiences that spark exploration and growth.
Curriculum areas include:
English/Language Arts
Mathematics
Social-Emotional Development
Approaches to Play and Learning
Science
Social Studies
Creative Arts
Physical Health and Growth
Hands-On, Real-World Learning
Children learn best through active, hands-on experiences. That’s why we prioritize real-world interactions with people, objects, and nature over passive learning. The use of screens is very rare in our early learning classrooms, limited to a short use to support a specific developmental goal or answer a clear question from a child. Movies, television, and "educational” apps are never a part of our curriculum. Our priority is face-to-face connection, open-ended play, and direct engagement with the environment.
Kindergarten Readiness and Beyond
By the time children leave our program, they are well-prepared for kindergarten—not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and physically. They know how to collaborate with peers, express their needs, manage their feelings, and approach new challenges with confidence and curiosity. That’s the foundation we build together—through play, partnership, and purpose.
Continuity of Care
Consistent relationships are the foundation of our philosophy. Our continuity of care model keeps children with the same caregivers and classmates over time, fostering deeper bonds, greater trust, and stronger developmental outcomes. Learn how continuity of care supports your child’s growth >