Our Philosophy & Pedagogy

Our program understands the harmful impact of suspension and expulsion, particularly in preschool settings, and is firmly committed to not turning a child away due to their behaviors. We recognize the stigma associated with suspensions and the negative effects it can have on children's social-emotional development and long-term outcomes, and we actively seek to break that cycle.

— Statement on Expulsion and Suspension

Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. At Hope Harbor Children’s Center, we partner with families and specialists to ensure our classrooms meet the diverse needs of all learners. By building a strong network of professionals across San Juan County, we strengthen our ability to connect families to the resources they deserve. When we prioritize accessibility, everyone benefits.

— Statement on Neurodiversity and Accessibility

We never want cost to be a barrier to care. Through both public programs and our own support models, we’re committed to welcoming all families.

— Statement on Financial Assistance

At Hope Harbor Children’s Center, we believe children are natural self-propelled learners. We follow their lead while gently expanding their horizons through provocations, questions, meaningful routines, and an emergent curriculum approach.

— Statement on Child-Led Learning

We believe that curiosity is more important than cleanliness, and that the process is more valuable than the product. Children need freedom to explore materials like mud, paint, clay, water, and sand without fear of mistakes or mess. This is where imagination blooms, and authentic learning takes root. Our role is to prepare rich environments, offer safe boundaries, and respect each child’s unique sensory experiences, so that joy and discovery can naturally unfold.

— Statement on Messy Play

At Hope Harbor, we believe a child’s emotional world is the foundation for all learning. Social-emotional development isn’t a separate subject, it’s at the heart of everything we do. Through daily interactions and gentle guidance, we help children understand and express their feelings, recognize the emotions of others, and begin to navigate the complexities of relationships, empathy, and problem-solving. We are committed to nurturing resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging in every child—because when children feel safe to be themselves, they thrive.

— Statement on Social-Emotional Learning

We meet children where they are, not where we think they “should” be. We recognize that every child grows at their own pace, and we honor those unique timelines with patience, curiosity, and respect. Our expectations are grounded in developmental science, not adult convenience, so children can grow with confidence, not pressure.

— Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Expectations