The Charlotte Children's Center believes that caring, respectful, positive relationships are the foundation for cognitive development in young children. We believe children are natural-born explorers and learn best through play. Teachers facilitate collaborative wonder through which the curriculum is co-constructed with the children.

We recognize the inherent uniqueness of each child. Children can express ideas visually, verbally, in writing, and through music and movement. 

We strive to encourage children to recognize that they are part of a wider community. Through purposeful guidance and modeling, we support each child as they build a positive sense of self while learning to demonstrate respect for all people and the environment. ​

We believe there is a profound draw to nature throughout childhood. We promote the incorporation of natural materials in each classroom and emphasize the benefits of outdoor play in all seasons. Bringing the outside in creates wonderful exploratory moments, and we also bring the indoors outside by offering play choices that may mirror activities from the inside. For example, children can often be found reading, drawing, painting, or playing with instruments outside on the playground. Reciprocated, we may bring inside rocks, sticks, pinecones, and leaves for art projects and sensory exploration.