At Children's Village, we follow The Creative Curriculum®, one of the most trusted, research-based early childhood programs in the nation. To ensure every child is growing, thriving, and supported at their own pace, we also use Teaching Strategies GOLD®, a nationally recognized observation-based assessment system developed by Teaching Strategies.
Together, these tools help our teachers deliver meaningful learning experiences and track each child's progress across all areas of development — from infancy through school age.
The Creative Curriculum®
Grounded in research and aligned with Washington's Early Learning Guidelines, The Creative Curriculum® provides a balanced approach that combines teacher-guided learning with meaningful, child-led exploration.
What Makes Creative Curriculum Unique
Play-Based, Hands-On Learning
Children learn best when they explore. Our classrooms offer daily opportunities for building, creating, dramatic play, sensory exploration, nature discovery, and problem-solving.
Focus on the Whole Child
This curriculum supports learning across every developmental area — social-emotional development, physical growth, language, literacy, math, science, and the arts.
Individualized for Every Child
Teachers tailor activities based on each child's interests and developmental stage, ensuring learning feels both accessible and appropriately challenging.
Strong Teacher–Child Relationships
Learning begins with connection. Our teachers nurture secure relationships that help children feel confident, safe, and ready to explore.
School Readiness & Lifelong Skills
Through play and guided experiences, children develop curiosity, independence, empathy, and critical thinking — skills they'll carry into kindergarten and beyond.
Teaching Strategies GOLD®: Observation-Based Assessment
To better understand each child's learning journey, we use Teaching Strategies GOLD®, a comprehensive assessment system that supports teachers in tracking children's development through ongoing, meaningful observation.
What Teaching Strategies GOLD® Helps Us Do
See Each Child Clearly
Teaching Strategies GOLD® gives teachers a full picture of a child's strengths, emerging skills, and growth areas across all developmental domains, from birth through age 12.
Individualize Learning Plans
By using real-time observations and documented examples of children's work, teachers can adjust activities, supports, and challenges to meet each child exactly where they are.
Partner with Families
Teaching Strategies GOLD® helps us communicate with families in a clear, meaningful way — sharing progress updates, celebrating milestones, and working together to support learning at home.
Ensure Kindergarten Readiness
The assessment system aligns with state early learning standards, helping us track readiness skills in literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and more.
Support High-Quality Teaching
Teachers use Teaching Strategies GOLD® data to reflect on classroom practices, strengthen lesson plans, and ensure learning experiences stay responsive and developmentally appropriate.
Why Families Appreciate Our Approach
Families value that Children's Village uses both a high-quality curriculum and a thoughtful assessment system. The Creative Curriculum® provides joyful, meaningful learning experiences, while Teaching Strategies GOLD® ensures each child's development is understood, supported, and celebrated.
Together, they help us create classrooms where every child is seen, understood, challenged, and loved.