Our Philosophy

At Carlsbad Country Day School, we believe play is the primary vehicle for children's learning and development in the early years. Play provides a context for children to practice newly acquired skills, to function on the edge of their developing capacities, to take on new social roles, attempt novel or challenging tasks, and to solve complex problems that they would not otherwise be able to do. We believe young children actively learn from observing and participating with other children and adults including parents and teachers. Carlsbad County Day School believes children need to form their own hypotheses and keep trying them out through social interaction, physical manipulation, reflecting on their findings, asking questions, and formulating answers. Furthermore, we believe that each child needs to experience success through involvement in learning activities in which there is no single correct way of responding or interacting.

We believe to develop Physically a child needs to exercise all parts of their bodies and get plenty of sunshine, fresh air, and healthy food in a clean and safe environment.

We believe to develop Socially a child needs to interact with other children and adults. This provides a moral base, including independence and self-discipline. Further, they need to be provided open-ended opportunities to express themselves creatively through music, drama, dance and art.

We believe to develop Emotionally a child needs to learn to express their feelings, to love, be loved, to feel good about themselves and to empathize with others. We believe that continuity of care, i.e., the same caregiver for all of the years at our school, facilitates emotional development.

We believe to develop Intellectually a child needs to be encouraged to discover new things, solve problems, build an understanding of numbers, verbally express their feelings and ideas, and to develop early literacy through books, songs, rhymes, and routine games.

Carlsbad Country Day School believes that excellent child care replicates many aspects of a quality home environment, where caring adults nurture children to grow and learn. We believe each child's cultural background is also relevant in the design of a curriculum that is age-appropriate for all children and individually appropriate for each child. Carlsbad Country Day School welcomes the participation of parents in our program and extend an open invitation to parents to become involved. We believe that ongoing communication with parents enhances the development of the children in our care.

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