Educational Framework

Care, Connection & Curiosity

Teacher Reads to Toddlers

At the Parent Child Center, every child is supported to grow, learn, and feel secure. Our approach reflects what we believe about how children learn best so that families can clearly see how we support development and school readiness. Whether you’re a Shoreline College student, employee, or part of the broader Shoreline community, we’re glad you’re here and happy to share how we help children thrive as they prepare for kindergarten and beyond! 

Our educational framework reflects what we believe about how young children learn best. It guides our daily practices, classroom environments, and relationships so families can clearly understand how we support each child’s development and well-being. 

Our Approach to Early Learning 

A whole-child framework built on care, connection, and curiosity 

Two Preschoolers Play on Teeder Todder

Children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Our research-based framework centers the whole child, recognizing that academic growth, emotional development, and social connection are deeply connected, especially in the earliest years. These Whole Child Tenets help us focus on what all children need to thrive, including health, safety, engagement, support, and challenge. 

At Shoreline’s PCC we believe in: 

  • Whole Child Development: We support every aspect of a children’s growth; social, emotional, physical and cognitive, so they feel cared for and ready to learn.
  • Relationships First: Strong, trusting relationships with teachers and peers help children feel securre and supported as they explore the world around them.
  • Learning Through Play: Play is how young children make sense of the world. Through hands-on experiences in the center and around the college, children build problem solving skills and are given the creative freedom to try new things. 

Inclusive and Multicultural Practices 

The children, families, and staff in the PCC are ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse. Our program focuses on cultural relevancy, cultural competency, and educational equity as an essential strategy to meet our goal of school readiness for all children. We honor each child’s identity, family, and culture, creating classrooms where every child feels respected, represented, and welcomed. 

Learn more about Multicultural Principals. 

Family Engagement 

Families are essential partners in a child’s learning. The Parent Child Center strives to build strong, collaborative, goal-oriented relationships with families to support family well-being, the parent-child relationship, and the role of parents and families in their child’s education. We value open communication, collaboration, and shared support for each child’s growth.