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Our Education Programs

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Our Learning Environment and Curriculum

The Learning Garden has chosen to use a research-based curricula in our program, High Scope, which was designed for use in early childhood programs serving children under the age of five. The Learning Garden and High Scope share the philosophy that young children learn best by doing.

Each classroom develops its own schedule that includes:

  • Mealtimes

  • Large and Small Group Work

  • Diapering and/or Potty Training

  • Stories, Songs and Finger-plays

  • Outdoor Play or Large Muscle Activities

  • Nap/Rest Time (for full-day children, infants are on their own individual schedule)

  • Time for children to choose activities in Learning Centers


Each week the teachers enrich the Learning Centers with engaging activities corresponding to the weekly study topic. The Learning Center areas may include:

  • Art/Easel

  • Blocks

  • Dramatic Play

  • Language & Literacy

  • Science/Discovery 

  • Cooking

  • Music & Movement

  • Sand & Water

  • Toys & Games


Teachers work with parents to set goals for children that are designed to meet individual needs and interests of each child. These goals are based on the teacher’s classroom observations and parent input. These goals are reviewed at each parent-teacher conference or home visit. Each week the teachers plan activities to meet these goals and that encourage the development of children’s skills in the areas of:

  • Social and Emotional Development

  • Approaches to Learning

  • Language Development

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Creative Arts

  • Physical Health and Development


The Daily Schedule, Lesson Plans and the Learning Goals and Objectives are available for review on the Parent Board for each child’s classroom.

Infant and Toddler classroom schedules and Learning Centers may vary according to the age and developmental level of the children.

Our Programs

General Program Information

At the Learning Garden we specialize in providing quality care and education for children from Infants to Kindergarten Entry. 

All of our teachers receive annual training on our curriculum, our assessment system, on the development of children and a variety of other topics, as we have 4 Staff Professional Development Days and 8 evening training days per year. 

Each Teacher, Aide and Assistant is assigned a coach that meets with them at least monthly to work on professional development goals. Example of goals include earning a Child Development Credential (CDA), strengthening their classroom management and behavior guidance strategies or learning more about the cultural diversity within our programs. 

All of our preschool teachers participate in training and coaching from St. Paul Public Schools as well as CLASS coaching through Parent Aware.

Preschool and Pre-K: 33 Months to Kindergarten  Entry

Features of Our Preschool Programs:

  • Small class size ensures each child receives individual attention and teachers work with parents to develop Individual Learning Plans

  • Our curriculum includes activities in the areas of writing, language, science, social studies, math, physical development, creative arts and music.

  • Meals are included in the tuition and served family style

  • Cots and cubby spaces for each individual child

  • Monthly in-house events or field trips included in the tuition

Infants: 6 weeks to 16 Months

Our caring infant staff has early  childhood experience, education and are CPR and Pediatric First Aid certified.  

Features of our Infant Program include:

  • Diapers and wipes are included in the tuition

  • Sunscreen, bibs and blankets are provided as needed

  • Each child has their own assigned crib and storage space

  • Baby food, cereal and formula provided as well as table food when ready. 

  • A variety of activities are provided each day that promote development in the areas of social emotional, large and fine motor and language

  • Sign Language is introduced as children develop their expressive language

Toddlers: 16 to 33 Months

 Our fun toddler staff have early childhood experience and education, and are CPR and First Aid certified.  

Features of our Toddler Program:

  • Diapers and wipes are included in the tuition

  • Sunscreen, bibs and blankets are provided as needed

  • Each child has their own assigned cot and cubby space

  • Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are included in the tuition, are served family style and meet all USDA requirements

  • A literacy-enriched curriculum is provided, as well as daily opportunities for sensory, art, and cognitive activities

  • Sign-language is continued as children develop their expressive language

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