Where Every Child Learns by Doing
At Fernridge Child Development Center, learning is active, joyful, and full of discovery. Our play-based preschool curriculum nurtures curiosity, confidence, and creativity in every child—from infants to school-age learners. We believe play is the foundation for lifelong learning, and our classrooms are designed to help children explore, build relationships, and understand the world around them.
Through hands-on experiences, imaginative play, and guided exploration, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills that prepare them for future success. Our teachers create safe, stimulating environments that encourage independence, self-expression, and a love of learning.
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Building Bright Futures with the Creative Curriculum
We proudly follow The Creative Curriculum, a research-based framework trusted by educators nationwide. This approach combines structure and flexibility, allowing teachers to meet children where they are while inspiring them to grow.
The Creative Curriculum focuses on key developmental areas—social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language—helping each child develop a well-rounded foundation. Lessons are rooted in real-life experiences that feel meaningful and fun, from building block towers to exploring nature and storytelling.
Every classroom at Fernridge CDC integrates hands-on projects, open-ended play, and intentional teaching moments that foster creativity, resilience, and a sense of wonder.
Supporting Every Stage of Development
Social & Emotional Development
We help children build confidence, empathy, and self-awareness through daily interactions and positive reinforcement. Group play and classroom routines encourage cooperation, communication, and respect for others.
Cognitive Development
Children develop problem-solving skills, memory, and logical thinking through hands-on exploration. Teachers guide them through meaningful challenges that promote curiosity and persistence.
Physical & Motor Skills
From outdoor play to fine motor activities, we strengthen coordination, balance, and control. Children practice skills like climbing, drawing, and self-care—building both independence and confidence.
Language & Early Literacy
We encourage early literacy through songs, storytelling, and conversation. Children learn to recognize letters, sounds, and words while developing listening and speaking skills that prepare them for reading.
Math & Science Exploration
Counting, sorting, and observing are part of our daily routine. Through STEM-based play, children discover cause and effect, patterns, and problem-solving in exciting, age-appropriate ways.
Exploring the World Beyond the Classroom
Our outdoor play spaces are extensions of our classrooms—safe, stimulating environments where children connect with nature and explore through movement. From age-separated playgrounds to garden areas, outdoor time promotes creativity, physical development, and sensory learning.
Special Activities That Make Learning Come Alive
Music & Movement
Music builds rhythm, memory, and joy. Children dance, sing, and move to explore sound, pattern, and coordination—all while developing focus and self-expression.
Spanish Exposure
Early exposure to new languages helps strengthen brain development. Our introductory Spanish lessons are fun, playful, and focused on basic words, songs, and cultural appreciation.
Art & Sensory Play
Creative expression flourishes through art, painting, and hands-on sensory experiences. Every project encourages imagination and self-confidence.
Social-Emotional Learning & Redirection
We guide children with compassion and positive redirection. Our teachers model patience and understanding, helping children identify emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy for others.
Confident, Curious, and Ready for What’s Next
Our Pre-K program is designed to prepare children academically and socially for kindergarten. We balance early literacy, math, and science lessons with play, creativity, and collaboration.
Children leave Fernridge CDC ready to succeed in the classroom—and in life. They learn how to listen, share, take turns, and express themselves while developing strong academic foundations for lifelong learning.
Tailored Learning for Every Age
Infants (6 weeks – 1 year)
Infants thrive in a nurturing space built on love, trust, and care. Teachers support each baby’s unique rhythm while introducing gentle sensory and motor experiences that foster early development.
Wobblers (1 – 2 years)
Our wobblers are discovering movement and independence! We provide safe spaces for exploration and introduce early communication, music, and social play.
Toddlers (2 – 3 years)
Toddlers learn through hands-on discovery and structured play. Our activities build early problem-solving, self-help skills, and cooperation.
Preschool (3 – 4 years)
Preschoolers engage in the Creative Curriculum with daily projects, circle time, and outdoor learning that strengthen literacy, science, and social-emotional growth.
Pre-K (4 – 5 years)
Our Pre-K students practice early reading, phonics, math, and collaborative learning—building confidence and excitement for kindergarten.
After-School (5 – 12 years)
At Fernridge Kids Club in Elmira, children unwind, complete homework, and play in a structured, safe environment with caring teachers.
Fueling Healthy Minds and Bodies
Learning starts with nutrition. Our on-site cook prepares fresh, home-style meals daily—serving a morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Every meal follows State Food Program guidelines and meets certified nutritional standards.
We Learn Together
At Fernridge CDC, parents are partners in every child’s journey. We value open communication and collaboration between families and teachers. Through daily updates, progress reports, and conversations, parents stay informed and involved in their child’s growth.
Together, we build a strong foundation of trust and teamwork that benefits every child’s development and happiness.
Committed to Quality and Excellence
Fernridge Child Development Center is proud to hold a 3-Star SPARK rating—Oregon’s statewide quality recognition for early learning programs. This rating reflects our dedication to providing safe, nurturing, and high-quality care for all families we serve.
We continually invest in teacher training, curriculum improvement, and classroom quality to ensure the best possible experience for every child.
See the Creative Curriculum in Action
Schedule a tour today to explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience our play-based approach firsthand.
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