PLAY and LEARNING RESEARCH and ARTICLES
National Association of the Education of Young Children (articles on the topic of How Play Connects to Learning)
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THE POWER OF PLAY | Click here to read
WHY PLAY= LEARNING | Click here to read
Molly's TED Talk, titled How every child can thrive by five, was commissioned by the Minderoo Foundation and UNICEF and has been viewed more than 1.5 million times. The talk aims to motivate parents and caregivers to meaningfully engage, early and often, with children through "serve and return" interactions like connecting, talking, and playing.
At Neighborhood Christian Center, learning is hands-on, joyful, and deeply rooted in purpose. Our curriculum is aligned with Valley Christian Schools’ Exemplary Preschool standards, the California Preschool Learning Foundations, and incorporates rich opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
True to our mission, we foster in every child the understanding that they are deeply loved, uniquely created by God, and capable of lifelong learning.
We prioritize large blocks of uninterrupted time where children are free to explore, create, and make discoveries at their own pace. Our teachers carefully prepare the classroom environment with open-ended, intentional materials that invite curiosity, decision-making, and social interaction.
Rather than simply giving answers, our loving staff guide and support children as they inquire about the world around them—celebrating “ah-ha” moments and nurturing each child’s confidence and competence. At NCC, we believe that ample time, a rich environment, and a purposeful, present teaching team are the foundation of meaningful learning—just as they’ve been since we first opened our doors in 1981.