Children's Enrichment on the Cape

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Our toddler classroom is a dynamic and nurturing space designed to support the growing independence, curiosity, and creativity of children ages 18 to 36 months. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and guided by nature-based learning, this environment invites toddlers to explore the world around them through hands-on experiences, meaningful relationships, and daily outdoor adventures.

Children are encouraged to make choices, express themselves, and engage in collaborative play. Open-ended materials, natural elements, and child-led provocations inspire exploration, problem-solving, and language development. Teachers act as co-learners and guides, observing closely and responding to each child’s emerging interests with intentional experiences that support their whole development.

Outdoor play is an essential part of the daily rhythm, where toddlers build confidence, engage their senses, and develop a deep connection to the natural world. We prioritize routines that offer consistency while allowing for flexibility and individual needs. In this supportive and respectful environment, toddlers are empowered to discover who they are as learners, friends, and members of a caring community.

OUR PLAYGROUND

At Children's Enrichment, we believe in connecting children with the natural world through regular outdoor exploration. As part of our curriculum, classes take walking trips to local landmarks in Cape Elizabeth including Trundy Beach, the "Magic Forest" at Turkey Hill Farm, the Greenbelt trail, and Alewives Brook Farm. These nearby destinations offer rich opportunities for hands-on learning, seasonal discovery, and joyful play, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for our coastal and agricultural surroundings.

OTHER OUTDOOR SPACES

Our mixed-age preschool and pre-kindergarten classroom serves children ages 3 to 5 in a vibrant, child-centered environment where learning is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and connection to the natural world. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and nature-based education, this classroom values the unique perspectives of each child and honors them as capable, competent learners.

The classroom and outdoor spaces are intentionally designed with natural materials, open-ended provocations, and opportunities for inquiry-based exploration. Children engage in meaningful projects that emerge from their interests, encouraging problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. Multi-age grouping supports social-emotional development, as children learn from one another and build strong relationships through cooperative play and shared discovery.

Daily outdoor experiences are central to the curriculum, offering space for movement, risk-taking, and deep connection with nature across all seasons. Teachers observe, document, and reflect with children to extend learning and support emerging skills in literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts in developmentally appropriate ways.

This environment fosters independence, empathy, and a strong sense of community, preparing children not just for kindergarten, but for a lifelong love of learning and connection to the world around them

Our infant classroom is a nurturing, sensory-rich environment where the youngest learners are supported through connection, curiosity, and exploration. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and grounded in nature-based practices, the space is thoughtfully designed to foster relationships, responsive caregiving, and a strong sense of security.

Natural materials, soft lighting, and calming colors create a peaceful atmosphere that invites infants to engage with their surroundings at their own pace. Teachers observe closely, following each child’s cues and interests to guide experiences that support physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development. Outdoor time is an essential part of the day, offering opportunities for sensory discovery, movement, and connection with the rhythms of the natural world.

Family partnerships are central to our approach, and we honor each child’s individuality, routines, and developmental path. In this gentle, respectful environment, infants are seen as capable and curious, building the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

OUR CLASSROOMS

Our outdoor playground is a thoughtfully designed, nature-based environment that reflects the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, offering an inspiring and developmentally appropriate space for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. This dynamic space encourages exploration, creativity, and connection with the natural world through open-ended materials and intentional design.

Natural elements such as tree stumps, logs, gardens, sand, and water features invite sensory-rich experiences and imaginative play. Materials are arranged to support the interests and capabilities of infants through preschoolers, with cozy, shaded areas for our youngest children to safely observe and explore, and more challenging physical elements—such as climbing structures, balancing logs, and digging zones—for older children to engage in gross motor development and risk-taking in a safe environment.

Loose parts like pinecones, shells, stones, and sticks are freely available to promote open-ended play, collaboration, and storytelling. The space evolves with the seasons and the interests of the children, fostering curiosity, inquiry, and a deep respect for the environment.

Overall, our playground acts as a "third teacher"—nurturing a sense of wonder, supporting whole-child development, and reinforcing our commitment to child-led, emergent learning in harmony with nature.