Curriculum and learning

At the Campbell Child & Family Center, children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Our educators create engaging, age-appropriate experiences that support each child's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.

The Creative Curriculum

We use The Creative Curriculum® from Teaching Strategies to guide classroom activities and learning experiences. This research-based approach encourages children to explore their interests, ask questions, solve problems, and develop new skills through hands-on learning. Teachers plan activities that introduce concepts in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology while adapting lessons to children's individual interests and developmental needs.

For infants and toddlers, the curriculum emphasizes responsive caregiving and strong relationships among children, educators, and families. Preschool activities build on these foundations through creative exploration, collaborative play, and age-appropriate learning experiences.

Tracking your child's development

Our teachers use GOLD®, an observation-based assessment system from Teaching Strategies, to document each child's learning and development. Through regular observations, teachers identify children's strengths, interests, and emerging skills. This information helps them plan meaningful learning experiences and provide individualized support.

Your child's learning portfolio

When your child enrolls at the Campbell Center, teachers begin a portfolio documenting their growth and learning. The portfolio follows your child as they progress through classrooms and serves as a resource for family conferences.

Portfolios may include:

  • Drawings, early writing, and other creative work
  • Photographs of classroom activities, projects, and play
  • Examples of developing motor and problem-solving skills
  • Teacher observations and developmental notes
  • Assessments documenting learning and developmental progress
  • Examples of language, communication, and social interactions

Families are welcome to review and contribute to their child's portfolio. We encourage you to share observations, experiences, and milestones from home.

If you have questions about your child's learning or development, talk with their classroom teachers. Staff can also help connect families with developmental screening and assessment resources when needed.

Incredible Years

The Campbell Child & Family Center uses the Incredible Years® approach to support children's social-emotional development, positive relationships, and problem-solving skills. Through engaging classroom activities and supportive teaching strategies, children practice recognizing emotions, communicating their needs, managing frustration, and building friendships.

Dinosaur School

Dinosaur School is part of the Incredible Years curriculum for young children. Through puppets, stories, games, and small group activities, children learn important social and emotional skills. Activities help children practice:

  • Recognizing and expressing emotions in healthy ways
  • Building friendships and cooperating with others
  • Solving problems and resolving conflicts
  • Managing frustration and developing self-regulation skills
  • Showing empathy and understanding others' feelings
  • Following classroom expectations and participating in group activities

These skills help children develop confidence, positive relationships, and a strong foundation for learning.

Supporting teachers and families

The Incredible Years approach also provides strategies for educators to create positive classroom environments, encourage cooperation, and strengthen relationships with children and families. Teacher training emphasizes responsive classroom management, positive communication, and consistent guidance that supports children's social-emotional development.

The Incredible Years program also offers parenting resources and strategies that help families support children's emotional development and positive behavior at home.

Learn more about Incredible Years