Nola Family February 2026

recognizing that the early years are crucial for learning and discovery.

and 1:10 for pre-K) mean every child receives individualized attention throughout the day. You’ll see children engaged in hands-on activities, collaborative play, and meaningful conversations with teachers who truly know them. How would you describe your educational philosophy for preschool-age children? We believe that interactions matter most. Research consistently shows that the quality of teacher-child interactions is the key factor driving children’s academic and lifelong success. Our approach centers on creating socially, emotionally, and academically appropriate environments where children can explore, learn, and play. Education has always been our priority—we focus on developing social skills, active listening, and a genuine love of learning. We want children to feel safe, confident, and ready to take on new challenges, all while being their authentic selves. How do you support children with different learning styles or developmental needs? Our low ratios allow teachers to truly individualize their approach for each child. We recognize that every child develops at their own pace and has unique strengths and interests. Our experienced teachers

adapt activities, provide additional support when needed, and celebrate each child’s progress. We encourage children to use their imagination, high energy, and natural curiosity in ways that work for them. When additional support is beneficial, we work closely with families and coordinate with specialists to ensure every child has what they need to thrive. How do you help children prepare for the transition to kindergarten? Kindergarten readiness is built into everything we do and our Tier 1 Curriculum is practiced throughout our center. Our teachers specifically focus on social- emotional skills, self-help abilities, and academic foundations. We emphasize independence, following multi-step directions, problem-solving with peers, and building confidence as learners. Parents consistently share that their children enter kindergarten—and beyond—truly prepared. We’ve heard from countless families that the foundation we build here serves their children well into elementary school. We’re preparing children not just for kindergarten, but for lifelong success. If you could describe your child care center in three words, what would they be? Relationship-driven. Intentional. Trustworthy.

Are there any yearly events that families and children look forward to? Every year, Little Hearts hosts a Family Thanksgiving Feast for our students and their parents. This catered event offers a wonderful opportunity for parents to enjoy a special lunch with their children. It is a highlight of our year, allowing families to mingle with faculty and staff while sharing a meal and building relationships. If you could describe your school in three words, what would they be? Welcoming. Tradition. Community. Standalone: Berry Cherry Tree What does a typical day look like for a child in your program? Our days are designed around intentional interactions and developmentally appropriate exploration. Children arrive to warm greetings from teachers they’ve built deep relationships with—many of our teachers have been here for over a decade. We balance structured learning times with child-led exploration, outdoor play, and plenty of opportunities for social- emotional development. Our low teacher- child ratios (1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers,

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