At BFS, our full-day Early Childhood (EC) program for 3- and 4-year-olds is often children’s first experience with formal schooling. Here, students begin to develop greater independence as they learn to share, take turns, care for themselves, and build meaningful relationships with others. Our EC program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which views children as strong, capable, curious, and creative learners.

The Reggio approach recognizes that children have 100 Languages of Learning or many ways to express their ideas, understanding, and creativity beyond verbal communication. These languages include art, music, movement, construction, pretend play, writing, nature exploration, and countless other forms of expression.

Through these 100 Languages, children have joyful opportunities to explore, create, communicate, and demonstrate their learning in ways that are meaningful to them. We value and celebrate each child’s unique way of making sense of the world and expressing their ideas.

Our EC students participate in physical education every day, music twice a week, and library once a week, while also engaging in art-based projects throughout the week. Across these experiences, students are encouraged to explore different “languages” of learning and share their thinking in their own creative and authentic ways.

We are especially proud of our dedicated teachers, Ms. Sandstrom and Ms. Duran, who take the time to know and support each child as an individual. Through careful observation and documentation, they make learning visible while creating an engaging environment where children can explore, wonder, create, and express themselves through the many languages of learning.