What if learning looked more like this?

At Northern Roots Early Learning Center, we believe childhood is a time of curiosity, creativity, and meaningful discovery. Our approach blends the strengths of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, and STEAM education to create a learning experience that is intentional, nurturing, and designed around each child’s unique way of exploring the world.

While we are not formally certified in a single methodology, our practices thoughtfully incorporate the best of each philosophy to support whole-child development—social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative.

 Our Philosophy

  • Children thrive when they feel secure, valued, and free to explore. Our center is built on these guiding principles:

    • Hands-on exploration matters

    • The environment is a teacher

    • Curiosity drives learning

    • Nature supports emotional well-being

    • Relationships form the foundation of growth

    • Every child deserves respect and belonging

  • Our blended approach draws from:

    • Reggio Emilia – inquiry, collaboration, documentation

    • Montessori – independence, responsibility, purposeful choices

    • Waldorf – imagination, beauty, rhythm

    • STEAM – creativity, engineering, problem solving

    This balance creates a thoughtful, whole-child learning environment.

  • Daily experiences include:

    • Open-ended materials

    • Long blocks of uninterrupted play

    • Projects that evolve over time

    • Natural, calming spaces

    • Choice-based learning

    • Teachers guiding rather than directing

  • Children spend meaningful time outdoors each day, exploring nature through:

    • Loose parts and natural materials

    • Seasonal experiences

    • Gardening

    • Movement + gross motor play

    • Open-ended exploration

    Nature inspires creativity, resilience, and calm.

  • Our educators support emotional development through:

    • Gentle guidance

    • Modeling empathy

    • Conflict resolution support

    • Strengthening communication and confidence

    • Nurturing friendships and cooperation

  • Teachers at Northern Roots are partners in learning. We commit to:

    • Observation and reflection

    • Extending children’s ideas

    • Ongoing professional development

    • Creating an inclusive learning environment

    • Strong family communication

    • We honor each child’s uniqueness through:

      • Differentiated support

      • Respectful, inclusive practices

      • Celebrating cultural and developmental diversity

      • Creating spaces where all children feel confident and welcome

  • We believe families are essential partners. We offer:

    • Open communication

    • Updates about your child’s day

    • Opportunities for involvement

    • A welcoming, collaborative atmosphere

  • Northern Roots combines curiosity, creativity, and nurturing environments to give children a meaningful early learning experience.
    Schedule a tour to see our philosophy in action.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”