Program Overview
Our program is designed to support how children learn best.
Early childhood is a time of intense curiosity, relationship-building, and discovery. Children are not waiting to learn—they are already making sense of the world in complex and meaningful ways. Our program is designed to support this process with care, intention, and respect.
TCS Ridgefield offers a full-day, year-round early learning program for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, with flexible scheduling options (half-day and full-day) that allow families to choose a structure that feels right for them.
Our approach is rooted in a play-based preschool philosophy that values curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia preschool approach, we view children as capable learners who thrive when given opportunities to ask questions, collaborate, and express themselves in many different ways. From sensory experiences in infant daycare to engaging Pre-K programs that prepare children for kindergarten, every stage of our program is intentionally designed to support growth.
We will open in Fall 2026 with a small number of classrooms as we thoughtfully build our school community in the Ridgefield, CT area. For more information about the benefits of our play-based preschool or to enroll your child, we encourage you to join our email list or connect with our admissions team!
Age Groups
At opening, we will welcome children from infancy through preschool (ages 6 weeks to 3 years old). Each stage of early childhood brings its own rhythms and ways of learning, from the relationship-centered experiences of infancy to the more collaborative and sustained work of the preschool years.
We also invite families interested in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten (ages 4-6) to connect with us as our program grows.
Learn more about each of our age groups:
Infants, Toddlers, 2s, 3s, 4s (Pre-Kindergarten), 5s (Kindergarten)
A Day at TCS Ridgefield
The structure of the day provides a sense of rhythm and predictability, while leaving space for children’s ideas to shape the direction of their experiences. Young children thrive when they feel both grounded and free, when there is a dependable flow to the day, but also time to follow curiosity wherever it may lead.
Much of the day is devoted to open-ended exploration and project work, where children investigate ideas through play, conversation, and the use of materials. Teachers observe closely, listening for the questions and theories that emerge, and use these observations to guide the evolution of the work. Children move fluidly between moments of individual concentration, small-group collaboration, and larger group experiences, learning to express themselves, to listen to others, and to see their ideas as part of a shared process.
Time outdoors, shared meals, and periods of rest are not separate from learning but integral to it, supporting children’s physical well-being, social development, and sense of belonging.
Learning at TCS Ridgefield
Our approach to learning is grounded in the belief that children are capable, thoughtful, and full of ideas. Rather than delivering information, we create the conditions in which children construct knowledge through experience, dialogue, and reflection. Learning begins with questions. Children are invited to explore, test their ideas, encounter challenges, and revisit their thinking over time. This process is often collaborative, as children build on one another’s perspectives and negotiate meaning together. We place particular emphasis on the process of learning; that is, how children think, how they approach problems, and how they make connections. The outcomes matter, but equally important is the development of curiosity, persistence, flexibility, and confidence. This work is made visible through documentation, allowing both children and teachers to reflect on learning as something that evolves over time.
The Atelier
At the heart of the school is the atelier, a studio space dedicated to exploration through materials. Here, children engage with clay, paint, wire, paper, light, and other media as tools for thinking and expression. We understand materials not simply as art supplies, but as languages for children to represent ideas, test theories, and communicate their understanding of the world. Working in the atelier invites children to slow down, to observe closely, and to develop a deeper relationship with both materials and ideas. The presence of the atelier reflects a core belief of the program: that creativity and intellectual inquiry are deeply connected, and that children’s thinking becomes richer when they are given many ways to express it.
Outdoor Experience
Time outdoors is an essential part of each day. The outdoor environment offers children space to move, take physical risks, and engage in active, social play. In this setting, children develop coordination, strength, and confidence, while also deepening relationships with one another through shared experiences. We view outdoor play not as a break from learning, but as another context in which meaningful learning takes place.
Rest and Balance
Rest is a fundamental part of the day, particularly for younger children. Infants and toddlers follow individualized schedules that reflect their developmental needs, while older children participate in a daily rest period that allows for both sleep and quiet reflection. These moments of pause give children time to process their experiences, regulate their energy, and return to the day with renewed focus. Across all age groups, we pay close attention to rhythm, balancing activity and rest, stimulation and calm, individual needs and group experiences.
Calendar and Schedule Options
The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and operates year-round. This schedule reflects our commitment to supporting families while maintaining a consistent and predictable experience for children. Within this extended day, we are thoughtful about pacing. A full day does not mean a rushed day; it means a day with enough time for children to settle into their work, revisit ideas, and build relationships without interruption.
Want to learn more?
Interested families are invited to join our Founding Family email list to receive early access to information sessions, updates on admissions, and news as we prepare for our opening.