Our School

Our program is made up of three multi-age classrooms, each thoughtfully designed to support a small, mixed-age group of children. Every classroom includes three children under the age of three and five children between three and five years old, creating a balanced and family-like environment where relationships naturally develop across ages.

This multi-age approach allows younger children to learn by observing older peers, while older children are given meaningful opportunities to lead, model kindness, and build confidence. The small group size supports strong connections between children and educators, allowing us to thoughtfully meet the diverse developmental needs of each age group within a calm and nurturing setting.

While each classroom has its own unique rhythm and dynamic, the children come together during outdoor play, functioning as one larger community. This offers the best of both worlds—the warmth and connection of small-group care, paired with the social opportunities and shared experiences of a larger program. Through this structure, we are able to create an environment that feels both intimate and enriching, where every child is supported, included, and encouraged to grow.

Program Elements

Time In Nature

Time in nature is an essential part of early childhood. Being outdoors supports children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development, while fostering curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of connection to the world around them. Regular access to natural spaces allows children to slow down, observe, explore, and engage their senses in meaningful ways.

At Doodle Bug Learning Center, we place a high value on daily outdoor time in all seasons. Children are encouraged to explore the natural world through hands-on experiences—digging in the earth, collecting treasures, caring for living things, and observing seasonal changes. Whether it’s rain, sunshine, or snow, the outdoors becomes an extension of our classroom.

Our goal is to nurture a respectful relationship with nature while supporting children’s independence, confidence, and sense of wonder. Through consistent time outside, children develop an appreciation for the natural world, a comfort in all kinds of weather, and the foundational skills that come from learning through real-world experiences.

Early Literacy

Early literacy is about more than learning letters and sounds—it is about building a love of language, stories, and communication. Through books, conversation, songs, and storytelling, children begin to understand how words work and how stories help us make sense of the world. These experiences spark imagination, support emotional development, and lay the foundation for future reading and writing.

At Doodle Bug Learning Center, we intentionally create a literacy-rich environment where books are woven into the rhythm of each day. Children are exposed to a wide range of stories and texts, while also being encouraged to explore language through play, discussion, drawing, and early mark-making. Shared reading experiences foster connection, build vocabulary, and invite children to see themselves as storytellers and thinkers.

Our goal is to nurture confident communicators who find joy in stories and meaning in language. By supporting all elements of literacy—listening, speaking, reading, and early writing—we help children develop the skills, imagination, and confidence to express their ideas and create stories of their own.

Physical Literacy

Physical literacy is the foundation of confident, capable movement. It involves developing fundamental movement skills—such as balance, coordination, strength, and agility—that allow children to move through their environment with control, confidence, and curiosity. When children feel comfortable in their bodies, they are better able to participate in active play, explore new challenges, and engage fully in the world around them.

At Doodle Bug Learning Center, we believe children build physical literacy through active play, freedom of movement, and meaningful risk-taking. Time spent outdoors is essential to this process. Whether children are splashing in puddles, climbing and balancing, building snow forts, navigating uneven terrain, or getting delightfully messy, they are learning how their bodies move in space and what they are capable of achieving.

Our goal is to create rich, engaging opportunities for movement that support not only physical development, but also confidence, resilience, and a sense of adventure. Through active, outdoor play, children develop the skills, self-assurance, and joy that come from trusting their bodies and embracing their growing abilities.

Creative Expression

Creative expression plays an important role in early childhood development. Young children may not always have the words to express their thoughts and emotions, and art offers a meaningful way for them to communicate, explore ideas, and make sense of their experiences. Through creative work, children develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of pride in their abilities.

At Doodle Bug Learning Center, we offer abundant opportunities for both open-ended and guided art experiences. Children are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials—such as paint, clay, play dough, and natural media—allowing creativity to unfold through process rather than outcome. Alongside this, we thoughtfully introduce structured art activities that support skill development through gentle guidance and clear, achievable steps.

Our goal is to support children as they build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, focus, and confidence, while also fostering a genuine love of creative expression. Through a balance of free exploration and intentional instruction, children are given the tools and encouragement to express themselves and communicate their ideas in ways that feel authentic to them