What can you expect at El Nido?
PLAY for your child
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COMMUNITY for you and your child
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SUPPORT for the whole family
Parent-Infant Playgroup
This group meets weekly in a small, intimate setting of 8 adults and 8 infants (4 weeks - early walkers). The environment is thoughtfully curated with simple toys to explore and plenty of room for infants to move in ways they are ready for.
Our parent-infant playgroup is inspired and guided by the respectful caregiving principles of RIE (Resouces for Infant educarers), a respectful caregiving philosophy by Magda Gerber.
Gather
After a round of introductions, we often check in with each other and share our joys and challenges on this parenting journey.
Observe
We then spend time observing in delight how the children are interacting with the environment, their peers, and the adults in the room.
Reflect
We reflect on Magda Gerber’s thoughts and principles on respectful caregiving and have conversations about our observations.
Parent-Toddler Playgroup
A small intimate playgroup of 6 adults and 6 toddlers. The playgroup is guided by Maria Montessori's respectful principles around following the child and supporting their emerging skills. A Montessori-inspired environment prepared with “stage-appropriate” toys and materials offering plenty of opportunities for children to develop emerging gross and fine motor skills, language, and sensory experiences through different manipulatives, art, music, and food preparation. Our playgroups offer wonderful opportunities to guide the children's developing interactions and friendships in a safe, supportive environment.
A place to find friends and community!
We welcome all caregivers to join our playgroup.
Follow the Child
We begin by following the child's interests. With observations, we understand what the child is ready for. The environment offers various experiences and opportunities for them to explore with curiosity!
Support Independence
"Help me to do it myself" is a child's bid for independence. In an environment designed for children to learn new skills that support their independence, children gain confidence as they master life skills that can easily be adopted in your home.
Respect
"Respect" is at the heart of Montessori and RIE philosophies. As a parent and caregiver you will have plenty of opportunities to take home respectful & empowering communication, and also gain understanding & guidance around their socio-emotional development.
"To assist a child, we must provide him with an environment that will enable him to develop freely."
Maria Montessori
