The Playhouse uses The Creative Curriculum which is based on several accepted theories of child development and current research. This curriculum follows developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) which is defined as giving children opportunities to learn and practice newly acquired skills, challenging them just beyond the level of their present mastery. The Playhouse becomes their learning community. An important component of our curriculum is the family. We want to get to know all the family members, including pets, and encourage parents to linger during arrival time checking in with the teachers and playing with their child. As the parent-teacher relationship grows, the child's trust and security blossoms and more energy can be focused on learning and discovery. We use our knowledge of the stages of development and child observation to set up our learning centers. The children's interests guide our choice of materials and activities. The teachers and parents become partners in their child's development.