Our story
The Valley School Offers State of the Art Reggio-inspired
Infant, Toddler, Preschool and Enrichment Programs
The Valley School’s approach is to use the latest techniques inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, incorporated within an extensively researched Emergent Curriculum, utilized by leading schools and universities to build a comprehensive early childhood development program focused on your child’s ability to take an active role in the learning process.
Our teachers are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where our children will grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
Our children feel at home with The Valley School’s Reggio-inspired approach to early childhood development and learning. This philosophy of early childhood education emphasizes documentation, emergent curriculum, collaboration with the community, a love of the environment, and respect for a child’s pace of learning.
The Valley School takes as its influences the best practices, theories and current research in early childhood education to create developmentally appropriate curriculum, experiences and care for young children. This approach to early childhood education is based on the Reggio Emilia Philosophy incorporated within an Emergent Curriculum
At the heart of all that we do is a deep respect for young children as individuals and active learners. We believe that children are curious and active learners from birth. Therefore, the early childhood environment and facilitated experiences are designed to encourage exploration and hands-on learning. We engage our children in meaningful investigations that come after careful observation, conversation, and planning. Investigations arise directly from the interests of the child. Within the framework of investigations, our children develop the skills needed to become a successful learners.
Young children learn best when they are provided with authentic, hands-on, interactive activities that meet developmental needs as well as incorporating interests. Knowledge is constructed from experiences, exploration, and interactions. Children, Teachers and Parents come together to function as co-learners with the classroom with the playground environment serving as the “classroom outside of the classroom”.
We understand and appreciate the uniqueness of children and encourage each child to reach his or her full potential. We respect individual differences and learning styles and provide a variety of experiences to meet diverse needs. Learning is constructed and scaffolded through daily experiences and interactions. As skills are mastered and knowledge is attained, children are able to move on to the next level at the pace that is right for them.
Feedback & Reviews
Our Mission is to foster a community that nurtures the whole child – socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically –by encouraging creativity and inspiring curiosity
“Our son is the last of our three children to go through preschool and the first to attend The Valley School. This school is heads and shoulders above the other local preschools in terms of curriculum, effort, and love. From the owner on down, each employee knows my child and our family. We are grateful to have found such a wonderful place for our last baby to grow before he heads off to kindergarten.”
Lisa & Tom
Park Ridge, NJ
“When my husband and I began our search for a daycare facility for our son, we expected an arduous journey; however, when we visited The Valley School, we both knew our search was over. The staff are both knowledgeable professionals and committed caregivers who dispense patience and love along with engaging activities that stimulate a child’s curiosity and joy for learning. Additionally, the facilities and services at The Valley School are newly renovated and designed with the special needs and interests of children in mind. Since our son has begun attending Valley School, his confidence, independence, and love for learning have grown, and he often tells us, “See my friends. Go to school. Fun, fun!” We are all very happy at the Valley School.”
Melissa & Daniel
Park Ridge, NJ
“We are very glad we chose The Valley School Summer Camp program for our 5 and 7 year olds. The children had a fantastic and productive summer. The classrooms are a wonderful environment…very organized with lots of natural light. The grounds are also very beautiful with play equipment safe for younger children. Teachers are caring and friendly taking time to get to know each child individually. We were so happy with the camp program that our youngest will stay for her last year of pre-school. We are looking forward to a great school year.”
Cheryl & Mark
Woodcliff Lake, NJ