Children's Enrichment on the Cape

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Children’s Enrichment on the Cape is rooted in four guiding philosophies: play-based, social and emotional learning, nature-based exploration, and Reggio Emilia inspirations. We believe children learn best through hands-on, joyful experiences that reflect their interests and nurture their whole development.


Social and Emotional Learning
Emotional intelligence is foundational to a child’s well-being and ability to thrive. We support the development of essential interpersonal skills like empathy, communication, resilience, and self-regulation,  which help children form strong relationships and navigate social settings. Our approach encourages inclusive, respectful interactions and supports each child in becoming a thoughtful, community-minded individual. Educators cultivate warm and responsive relationships, helping children feel secure and confident in themselves and their environment.


Learning Through Play
Children explore ideas and express themselves best through play that is freely chosen and personally meaningful. Whether indoors or outside, they are given the freedom to follow their curiosity—constructing stories, experimenting with materials, and engaging in active, imaginative scenarios. These moments are rich with potential: problem-solving, cooperation, and creativity flourish as children make sense of their experiences.

Teachers enhance these learning opportunities by carefully designing environments filled with open-ended materials and provocations. They observe, reflect, and participate alongside children—helping to extend their thinking and connect their play with broader concepts. Through these collaborative, dynamic experiences, children also develop emerging leadership skills: taking initiative, guiding peers in shared activities, and building confidence as decision-makers within their group.


Reggio Emilia Approach
Our classrooms are vibrant, evolving spaces that reflect the voices, questions, and ideas of the children. Drawing from Reggio Emilia practices, we view children as capable and competent learners who express themselves in many ways. The atelier (creative studio) is a hub of artistic exploration, where children work with diverse materials to represent their thinking through visual art, movement, light, and sound.

We document children’s learning processes and collaborate with families to honor each child’s unique journey. Teachers act as facilitators and co-researchers with children,  supporting inquiry and encouraging collaborative problem-solving. This intentional practice helps build confidence and a sense of agency as children explore, test theories, and construct knowledge.

Nature-based Exploration
Outdoor learning is woven into daily life at Children’s Enrichment. Nature offers endless opportunities for children to explore, investigate, and engage all their senses. Whether studying animal tracks, building shelters, or simply observing seasonal changes, time outside supports physical health and cognitive development while fostering environmental awareness.

Our nature-based curriculum is flexible and emergent, following the children’s interests while providing space for creativity, risk-taking, and cooperative play. Educators offer experiences that challenge and inspire—encouraging children to become problem-solvers, team players, and confident explorers in a world that is always changing.​​

PHILOSOPHIES AND CURRICULUM