At Wallingford Child Care Center, emergent curriculum means learning grows from children’s interests at every age. Whether it’s an infant exploring textures, a toddler testing independence, or a preschooler investigating the natural world, our educators listen, observe, and design experiences that honor each child’s curiosity and capability.

We honor infants as capable learners from birth, creating secure relationships and environments that nurture exploration. Even the youngest children show us what they’re curious about through movement, gaze, and sound. Educators observe closely and respond by shaping experiences around those cues, providing materials for sensory play.

Toddlers thrive on testing boundaries and asserting independence. Emergent curriculum channels this energy into meaningful exploration. WCCC educators follow toddlers’ lead, offering challenges that build confidence, problem‑solving, and collaboration. By following the child’s interest, we provide opportunities to explore numbers, science, social, and language growth.  

Preschoolers are natural investigators. Emergent curriculum builds on their questions and ideas, connecting them to broader concepts. We empower preschoolers to think critically, work together, and see themselves as contributors to their community.

Student-to-Teacher Ratios

• Infants (Cloud) 1:3

• Toddlers (Sunshine) 1:4

• Young Preschool (Rainbow) 1:5

• Preschool (Star) 1:7

• Pre-Kindergarten (Rocket) 1:9

WCCC is licensed for 58 children 8 weeks to 5 years in age.

Family Communication

We communicate with families through the ProCare app, a parent messaging system, with frequent pictures and updates. There is a monthly newsletter for the center and families receive classroom-specific update. Family-teacher conferences are held twice a year to stay connected about your child’s development.