How Our Days Unfold
A Program Built Around Children
At Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School, our program is designed around how young children learn best — through movement, play, exploration, and meaningful relationships.
Rather than following a rigid academic schedule, our days unfold through a predictable rhythm that provides both structure and flexibility. This balance allows children to feel secure while remaining open to curiosity and discovery.
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Inquiry
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Play
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Reflection
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Belonging
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Growth
🍃 Inquiry 🍃 Play 🍃 Reflection 🍃 Belonging 🍃 Growth
A Daily Rhythm Rooted in Nature
Each day includes extended time outdoors, where children engage with natural materials, seasonal changes, and the living environment around them.
Outdoor learning supports physical development, collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Children move between indoor and outdoor spaces in ways that feel connected rather than divided, allowing learning to flow naturally throughout the day.
“We love how much outdoor time our child gets each day. The teachers are wonderful, and the cooperative model makes families feel connected.
The school’s values, especially around understanding and supporting children, really show in the everyday routine.”
-parent
A Daily Rhythm Rooted in Nature
Each day includes extended time outdoors, where children engage with natural materials, seasonal changes, and the living environment around them.
Outdoor learning supports physical development, collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Children move between indoor and outdoor spaces in ways that feel connected rather than divided, allowing learning to flow naturally throughout the day.
Play as the Work of Childhood
Play is central to our curriculum.
Through open-ended play, children test ideas, build relationships, negotiate roles, express emotions, and make meaning of their experiences. Teachers observe closely, offering guidance, materials, and invitations that extend learning without interrupting children’s agency.
This approach supports cognitive growth, language development, creativity, and resilience — all within the context of joy and engagement.
Teacher-Guided, Child-Informed Learning
Our curriculum is designed and led by the school’s director and teaching staff, drawing inspiration from nature-based education, emergent curriculum, and long-standing cooperative school traditions.
Teachers intentionally design environments and play invitations that respond to children’s interests while supporting developmental growth across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive domains.
Learning is responsive, thoughtful, and deeply relational.
Community Care Through Cooperation
As a cooperative school, families participate alongside teachers to support the daily life of the classroom.
Parent co-opers assist with routines, materials, and transitions, allowing teachers to remain focused on observation, curriculum, and relationship-building. This shared presence strengthens continuity of care and helps children experience school as a collaborative community.
Adults work together to create an environment that is attentive, predictable, and supportive for all learners.
Supporting Confidence and Independence
Through consistent routines, trusted relationships, and opportunities for choice, children gradually develop confidence and independence.
They learn to navigate social dynamics, care for shared spaces, and engage with challenges at their own pace — supported by adults who value patience, listening, and reflection.
An Invitation to Learn More
Families exploring play-based, outdoor preschool programs are invited to learn more about our approach and how our days take shape within the cooperative community.