Educational Philosophy


Burbank Early Childhood School follows an Emergent Curriculum, where children and teachers co-construct learning opportunities together. We follow the interests of children to help children discover, play, and grow together. Positive, nurturing relationships are at the heart of all interactions. 

We employ developmentally appropriate evidence-based practices that support the district's Profile of an Engaged Learner. These practices help our students develop the skills and attributes that we believe will prepare them to serve, lead and succeed in Upper Arlington and beyond. You can learn more about the Profile of an Engaged Learner on the district's website. 

How we bring this to life at BECS

  • Teachers emphasize the importance of relationships by encouraging children to negotiate, cooperate, problem solve, and interact in courteous ways. Teachers encourage appropriate behaviors by modeling courtesy and respectfulness.
  • Our teachers provide stimulating opportunities for children to question, predict outcomes, experiment, reflect on discoveries, and interact with people and materials.
  • Teachers create opportunities throughout the day for children to work individually or in small groups on projects. Whole group time is used to build a sense of community and shared purpose.
  • Teachers ensure a balance of quiet and active play through a carefully designed daily schedule.
  • Lunch and snack menus are designed to not only meet the preferences of our children, but to also to offer a variety of well balanced food that support and health and growing needs of our children. Here is a brochure that details our school’s nutritional beliefs.
  • Large muscle climbing rooms and an expansive outdoor playground provide an abundance of active play space.
  • Curricular activities are developed based on current research and recommended practice. Lessons follow state Early Learning Standards and are sensitive to the cultural backgrounds, interests, and parental priorities.
  • To promote early literacy, we follow the Heggerty curriculum as well as components of Fundations. Our teachers also provide children with a holistic understanding of literacy by meaningfully incorporating literacy throughout classroom and daily routines. 
  • We prioritize the social emotional development of children throughout all of our activities. We adopt the Zones of Regulation, Kelso’s Choices, as well as a school-wide PBIS model.
  • Preschool classrooms have mixed age groups to promote maximum development. 
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