Learn Through Play

At Penn Children’s Center, we are committed to providing an enriching and personalized learning experience through the HighScope Early Childhood Curriculum. This research-based approach emphasizes active learning, encouraging children to explore, ask questions, and discover through hands-on experiences.

HighScope believes that children learn best when they engage in activities that promote decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The curriculum focuses on key areas of development—such as language, social-emotional skills, and cognitive growth—while nurturing each child’s natural curiosity and interests.

Central to the HighScope approach is play-based inquiry learning, where children take the lead in their learning process. Through exploration and play, they ask meaningful questions, investigate topics of personal interest, and engage in creative problem-solving. This approach fosters essential skills like collaboration, creativity, and self-confidence, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

By providing a rich, supportive environment, we help children develop the skills needed to confidently navigate and understand the world around them.

To ensure every child’s individual growth is supported, we use the COR (Child Observation Record) system for ongoing assessments. The COR allows us to observe and document each child's development in real time, tracking their progress in areas such as cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical skills. With this valuable tool, we can create personalized learning goals for every child, ensuring their unique strengths and needs are met through tailored activities and experiences.

We believe in the power of strong partnerships with families. Our regular parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity to share insights from the COR assessments, discuss each child’s progress, and collaborate on setting new learning objectives. These conferences are an essential part of the learning journey, allowing parents to ask questions, share observations, and actively participate in shaping their child’s education.

Through this ongoing communication, we build a strong, supportive relationship between the center, the child, and the family, ensuring the holistic development and success of every child in our care.