Hamilton Heights Child Development Center has established itself as far more than just a daycare center. Instead, they make it their mission to nurture wonder in minds as young as six weeks old.
"We don't take care of days," says Adrianne Agulla, owner and executive director. "We take care of children."
Hamilton Heights offers educational programs for infants up to twelve years old, built on the belief that children's natural curiosity leads to learning.
"We are unique in that we are child-led," Agulla says. "Our staff and our teachers have extensive training in early childhood development and education."
She describes the process of a child- or play-led program as one in which the teacher carefully observes each individual child and combines the classroom's interests and children’s developmental needs to develop tailored lesson plans.
“We see what the kids are interested in and what they have natural curiosity for,” Agulla says. “Play-based learning builds on what is sparking wonder in the classroom.”
This approach of tailor-made lesson plans is used throughout the facility, even with Hamilton Heights’ youngest children, who are six weeks old. These infants, Agulla explains, may not learn the alphabet or numbers, but the teachers provide sensory-based experiences, teach infants sign language, and speak to them audibly all day.
“The more kids hear, the more they learn,” she says.
Most importantly, the crucial relationship between child and caregiver, then student and teacher, begins in these early years and sets the foundation for intellectual and emotional growth and development.
This commitment to child-led learning naturally extends to two crucial areas: health and well-being.
"We believe that movement contributes to learning and wellness, so we have a strong emphasis on moving our bodies and keeping kids active," Agulla says. Outdoor play is a large part of the program, with a portion of every day spent outside. "We have some weather guidelines, but we believe it's usually bad gear, not bad weather."
The center's wellness approach extends beyond physical activity to include social-emotional development and nutrition. Family-style meals provide opportunities for social learning, while their in-house catering ensures nutritious options for children.
With innovative educational philosophies, Agulla says one of the most significant ways Hamilton Heights strives to keep kids healthy is to let them be kids.
"For 20 years, pressure has been put on childhood, and we've inadvertently taken away the opportunity that kids have to be kids." Citing many memories adults share of their childhood, such as the freedom to be outside, kick dirt, and even be bored, Hamilton Heights works to preserve childhood and continue to spark that wonder we all had as children. "Protecting the sanctity of childhood and that play-based approach is important."
SIDE BAR CONTENT:
Hamilton Heights Child Development Center opened its doors in 2003 with a single facility. Now, more than 20 years later, the early education center has more than five facilities. Of the many benefits seen from the program, the most apparent may be the social-emotional development.
“When kids go to school, they don’t need to know their alphabet or their colors,” says Adrianne Agulla, owner and executive director. “What they really need to know is how to get along with others.”
Agulla, who purchased the company eight years ago, said students of Hamilton Heights will enter elementary school knowing how to articulate their feelings and advocate for themselves.
“The laughter from parents that say, ‘My child told me, ‘My child feels frustrated when you do this,” she shares.
Agulla also shares one long-term that is not seen in current students but former ones as there are now staff members who grew up in the program.
“That’s a huge testament that something went right,” Agulla says.
hamiltonheightsdcd.com | 402.600.0169