Who We Are
Burlington Little School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses on the healthy development of toddler & preschool-aged children. We are dedicated to providing high-quality early learning in a way that is accessible to the community, and most importantly, appropriate for healthy development. We maintain ratios lower than required by the Department of Children, Youth & Families while allowing our teachers the creativity and freedom to create their own emergent curriculum. We are a licensed school and adhere to the Washington Administrative Codes (WAC). Children who come here are nurtured and appreciated. BLS understands the importance of exposure to the outdoors and natural environments and has adopted a child-based curriculum using authentic, hands-on life experiences and projects.
Encouraging problem-solving strategies through the use of language, reasoning, caring, and cooperation. Helping children make appropriate choices through instruction, practice, support, and recognition. Developing the values of trust, respect, cooperation, and honor. The importance of family involvement in the education process.
Our Mission
Burlington Little School believes that children are unique and capable partners in constructing and developing their own learning through passionate, creative, and respectful support. Within a natural and familiar environment, we provide meaningful, real-world, hands-on learning experiences that promote social relationships and critical thinking. Our roles as adults are to provide a compassionate, safe, nurturing atmosphere that allows and creates opportunities for discovery, joy, risk-taking, and a love of learning. We believe that Burlington Little School provides a foundation for confident, resilient people who can reach their full potential and who will impact the world in positive ways. BLS strives to celebrate diversity as well as encourage awareness of other’s perspectives and the cultures of others. We believe in the importance of exposing students to the arts, including music, drama, dance, and literature.
Our Philosophy
At Burlington Little School, we hold a strong belief in creating a nurturing space for students, fostering a safe, caring, and challenging learning environment that caters to each child's unique developmental level. We cherish the inherent value and significance of every individual, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, abilities, or cultural heritage.
Our curriculum is designed to embrace diversity and cultivate an appreciation for various perspectives, all while immersing our students in the enriching world of arts, including music, drama, dance, and literature. Moreover, we recognize the profound importance of connecting with nature, and thus, we ensure our students have ample exposure to the outdoors and natural environments, encouraging a holistic and well-rounded educational journey.
Our Curriculum
BLS uses Emergent Curriculum. Emergent curriculum is defined as a process where teachers plan activities and projects based on the specific group of children they are working with, taking into account their skills, needs, and interests. Emergent Curriculum is rooted in the work of noted early childhood theorists like Dewey, Piaget, and Vygotsky.
This approach allows teachers to build a curriculum that works for that specific class at that time as this may change based on the needs of the children. Teachers have the flexibility to include STEAM, social-emotional Learning, play, sensory, and much more in the weekly lesson plans. BLS teachers stay current on their education within our field and utilize different tools and resources to implement lesson plans to meet the needs of all children placed in the class.