During these early years children are excited about life, discovery and the newness in everything around them. The Willow Tree provides a warm, safe, nurturing place in which to grow and develop into caring human beings, able to imbue their lives with meaning. Honoring the child as an individual, embracing her in a loving environment cultivates a child who is confident and insightful. Such a child will continue to grow and develop through life, reaching her greatest potential.

Young children learn through experiences, through imitation, and by being actively involved in their own world. They shine with an inner light that illuminates their inquisitive nature. At The Willow Tree, children's natural sense of awe and wonderment about the world around them is nurtured through art, movement, song, and story. Our strong emphasis on both art and nature allows children to care for plants, animals, and one another in warm home like surroundings. The Willow Tree's play based constructivist curriculum encourages children to explore and build meaning through their experiences. Projects evolve based on children's questions and reactions to their environment, and can last anywhere from one day to several weeks.

The Willow Tree provides an unwavering stability, rooted in the children's need for rhythm and ritual throughout their lives. We meet at the beginning of each day connecting us to one another through games, dance, and yoga. Our goal is to send children into the world who are creative and excited by learning and discovery; who care for themselves and care for others; who are able-to think independently, yet still respect the rights of others; children who see themselves as members of a global community. They are encouraged to be strong yet flexible, to express themselves and their feelings, and to express these feelings in a safe and caring manner when solving problems with others. The Willow Tree promotes the social, cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual development of each child, and is a wonderful preparation for the school years as well as for life.

The idea of freedom with responsibility is an integral part of The Willow Tree's philosophy. Children here are given the power to make choices in a loving safe environment in which the children's great power of growth will develop naturally. Together we will have a generation of loving human beings with fewer fears, less prejudice, and more self-esteem. Willow Tree is committed to the theory that respect for differences is the key to diverse people living in a world at peace.