Curriculum & Learning
At Durango Early Learning Center, we believe that education is a collaborative process where play is the primary vehicle for growth. Our approach combines evidence-based standards with a warm, nurturing environment that prepares children for school and for life.
Play-Based Approach
Children learn best by doing. Our classrooms are designed for active exploration and curiosity.
Conscious Discipline
Supporting social-emotional growth through connection and self-regulation skills.
ZooPhonics Literacy
A multisensory method for literacy that makes phonics fun and accessible for young learners.
Teaching Strategies Gold
Evidence-based checkpoints through TS Gold ensuring every child is supported correctly.
Social-Emotional Heart
We utilize Conscious Discipline to foster safety, connection, and problem-solving. This approach empowers children to navigate big emotions while building a kind, respectful community in every classroom.
Playful Literacy
Zoo-Phonics uses animals and movement to make learning to read fun! By engaging multiple senses, we help children develop strong pre-literacy skills through play and joy.
The Power of Play
Play is how children make sense of their world. Our classrooms are designed to ignite curiosity, allowing kids to lead their own discovery while building critical cognitive skills.
Excellence in Standards
We utilize TS Gold for ongoing observations and follow the Colorado Early Learning Developmental Guidelines to plan a curriculum that meets every child where they are.
Learning Frameworks
TS Gold Checkpoints
We use TS Gold to capture authentic observations of your child in action. These checkpoints help us celebrate milestones and tailor our teaching to support their unique developmental journey.
Colorado Guidelines
Our curriculum is thoughtfully mapped to the Colorado Early Learning Developmental Guidelines, ensuring our play-based activities meet the highest standards for healthy growth and readiness.
Our Curriculum & Learning Approach
At Durango Early Learning Center, we provide a warm and nurturing environment where every child's development is guided by proven educational frameworks and a deep respect for play.
Play-Based Approach
We believe play is the work of childhood. Children explore, discover, and solve problems through hands-on engagement with their world.
Conscious Discipline
Supporting social-emotional growth by building strong connections, helping children navigate emotions and build empathy for others.
ZooPhonics Literacy
Making reading and writing fun through a kinesthetic approach that uses animals and movement to bring literacy to life.
TS Gold Observations
We track each child's unique journey with detailed observations, ensuring we meet their individual developmental needs every step of the way.
CO Learning Guidelines
Our curriculum planning is rooted in the Colorado Early Learning Developmental Guidelines, ensuring high standards for every student.
Learning Benefits
Independent, confident, and socially well-adjusted children who are truly ready for the elementary school years and beyond.