Overview of Teaching Philosophies

If you are not familiar with the philosophies below, “Play-based” is a common child care philosophy that works well in family child care homes.
If you are an experienced teacher, you may describe your philosophy using words that are not found in our list. We picked these options because they are the most recognizable philosophies among parents. Feel free to choose one that is closest to your personal philosophy.

Play-based: My program follows a play-based philosophy. I believe that children learn social, cognitive, and emotional skills by exploring new experiences. My environment is responsive to the children in our care, and allows children’s own interests to help facilitate their learning and engagement.

Nature-based: My program follows a nature-based philosophy. Children will spend all or most of their time outdoors. I believe that nature is the best environment for children and supports their development as they prepare to enter more formal school systems in kindergarten and beyond.

Waldorf: I am a certified Waldorf teacher. My program emphasizes the role of imagination in learning, striving to holistically integrate the intellectual, practical, and artistic development of pupils.

Waldorf-inspired: I have taken some classes about the Waldorf philosophy and/or researched it thoroughly, but I am not a certified Waldorf teacher. My program emphasizes the role of imagination in learning, striving to holistically integrate the intellectual, practical, and artistic development of pupils.

Montessori: I am a certified Montessori teacher. I believe that children are naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtful-prepared environment.

Montessori-inspired: I have taken some classes about the Montessori philosophy and/or researched it thoroughly, but I am not a certified Montessori teacher. I believe that children are naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtful-prepared environment.

Reggio Emilia-inspired: I have taken some classes about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and/or researched it thoroughly. I believe that children should guide their own learning through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing. My environment gives children endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.

RIE-inspired: I have taken some classes about the RIE philosophy and/or researched it thoroughly. I believe in demonstrating respect every time I interact with children, no matter how young. Each child is a unique human being, who should feel secure, autonomous, competent, and connected.

STEM: My program emphasizes exploring the basic concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. I believe that these topics provide a strong basis for cognitive growth and prepare children for the modern world. I have researched S.T.E.M. extensively and will prepare curriculum based on S.T.E.M. activities.

STEAM: My program emphasizes exploring the basic concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. I believe that these topics provide a strong basis for cognitive, social, and emotional growth, as well as preparing children for the modern world. I have researched S.T.E.A.M. extensively and will prepare curriculum based on S.T.E.A.M. activities.

Bilingual: Children in my program will hear and speak another language in addition to English. I believe that learning a second language at a young age encourages a child's intellectual and social development.

Language immersion: Daily activities and care will be provided entirely in one language other than English. I believe that learning a new language at a young age encourages a child's intellectual and social development. In addition, I believe that total immersion is the best way to acquire a second language.