Studio City Coop is not a daycare, or traditional teacher-oriented “academic” preschool with a focus on worksheets. We are a parent-facilitated/child-led “play-based preschool”, where instruction happens in the hands of all of the parents as well as organically directed by children’s explorative interests.
But not everyone knows exactly what that means. Play-based education is actually “a thing”, by choice and philosophy and not an accident, or complete free-for-all play. It is not quite as formalized as Montessori, but more akin to Waldorf, Bank Street or Reggio Emilia educational styles.
Here are some useful resources for play-based education, a world-wide movement and educational philosophy & approach. These article go in-depth to the differences and benefits of the different early educational philosophies.