Hanna Fenichel Center
Our Philosophy: Founded in 1975, the Hanna Fenichel Center advocates for the primacy of play-based learning as a vital conduit for children to construct their own understanding of the world. We perceive the child not merely as a learner but as an active protagonist in their educational journey. Through rich social interactions and project-based investigations, our educators adeptly facilitate the exploration of children's innate curiosities.
Our educational philosophy is deeply influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social, emotional, intellectual, creative, and physical development in young children. We create environments that honor these diverse facets of growth, ensuring each child's unique path to knowledge is celebrated.
The Hanna Fenichel Center nurtures children ages 12 months to 5 years through daily practices that cultivate wonder and curiosity. Teachers build meaningful relationships with children as they explore our nature-based learning spaces, including our signature Garden Classroom. Through intentional guidance, children develop critical thinking skills while engaging in hands-on discovery that fosters independence, creativity, and joyful learning.
