Academics

Early Childhood

Loris Malaguzzi, Reggio-Emilia founder

...What we want to do is activate within children the desire and will and great pleasure that comes from being the authors of their own learning.

Rooted in the Reggio Emilia Approach
Fostering Inquiry, Collaboration, Creativity & Sense of Belonging

Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, our Early Childhood Education (ECE) fosters inquiry, collaboration, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging. We honor children as competent, capable individuals, encouraging them to explore the world with curiosity, confidence, and joy.

List of 3 items.

  • Child-Centered Curriculum

    Our child-centered curriculum is flexible, generative, and responsive, emerging from students’ interests and questions.

  • Indoor & Outdoor Exploration

    Children are invited to explore indoor and outdoor environments freely, exercising agency in engaging with activities and building relationships

  • Uninterrupted Blocks of Time

    With uninterrupted blocks of time, they immerse themselves in self-directed play and inquiry, strengthening skills in problem-solving, risk-taking, independence, focus, and collaboration

List of 2 items.

  • Learning & Expression

    Learning and expression take many forms beyond words—drawing, painting, sculpture, shadow play, dramatic play, dance, music, movement, and more—the 100 Languages of Children.

  • Curriculum of Care

    We uphold a "curriculum of care," ensuring that routines such as meals, toileting, and rest are approached with intention and respect for each child’s needs.

Early Childhood Highlights

Dive Into Our Curriculum
Early Childhood Programs

List of 3 items.

  • 18-22

    Total Enrollment in Rainbow

  • 18-24

    Total Enrollment in Red Barn

  • 7:1

    Student-Teacher Ratio

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • How old does my child need to be to apply?

    Children must be at least 33 months old (2 years, 9 months) by September 1 or 3 years old by December 1 to enroll in our Rainbow class. Children must be 4 years old by September 1 to join our Red Barn class.

  • Does my child have to be potty-trained?

    Yes. To ensure our strong teacher-to-student ratios, all children must be fully potty-trained by their first day of school.

  • What do meal times look like?

    Mealtime is more than just eating—it’s an opportunity for conversation, curiosity, and shared experiences. All snacks and lunch are provided by the school, prepared on-site, and served by adults in the classroom. Meals feature a variety of food groups, and 1% milk is offered at lunch. We encourage children to try new foods while respecting their preferences and boundaries.

  • Does my child have to nap?

    Each child’s rest needs are honored. We offer a quiet, separate nap room for true sleepers. Children who do not nap can engage in "downtime"—a period of calm, introspective activities designed to foster reflection and quiet engagement.

  • Is full day care available?

    Yes! Before- and after-school care is available from 7:30–8:30am and 2:00–5:30pm, providing flexible options for families.

Meet the Division Head

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Daphna Klugman

    Daphna Klugman 

    Director of Early Childhood Education
975 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
The School admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.