At Wee Explorers, we recognize the inherent value of play as the foundation for intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. Through play, children develop critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities and a deep understanding of the world around them. Our curriculum is considered “emergent” in that it is designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving interests, questions and ideas of the children. Children take the lead in their learning experiences and the classroom environment is set-up in response to their needs and interests.

VELS (Vermont Early Learning Standards) provides a framework for our curriculum and instruction at Wee Explorers. While the children are always at the heart of our approach, VELS guides and informs what early childhood experiences we facilitate and support and it serves as a roadmap for the skills a child should begin developing next.

Our educators plan carefully and intentionally for student learning in all areas of development: social-emotional, physical, cognitive, language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and the creative arts. Curriculum and strategies are individualized for each child and additional school and community supports are available for those children who may need it. In addition, Wee Explorers utilizes The Creative Curriculum framework which provides project-based investigations and Handwriting Without Tears, a program that offers a multisensory introduction to letters and writing.