Our work
Education & Learning
We provide children with opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences that connect history to modern life. Our programs emphasize literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills while also fostering creativity and critical thinking. By blending traditional education with historical exploration, we create a learning environment that is both rigorous and joyful.
Our programs emphasize literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills while also fostering creativity and critical thinking. We integrate reading and writing into activities that feel purposeful, such as journaling about a historical event or writing letters as if they were students in the early 1900s. Numeracy is woven into projects like measuring, building, or analyzing patterns in historical data, helping children understand math as a tool for discovery. Problem-solving is encouraged through group challenges, hands-on experiments, and collaborative projects that require children to work together, share ideas, and find solutions. These skills are not taught in isolation but are connected to real-world contexts that make learning engaging and memorable.
Play & Exploration
We believe that play is essential to learning. Our programs encourage children to explore their environment, ask questions, and experiment with new ideas. Whether through imaginative play, outdoor activities, or creative arts, children are given the freedom to discover their interests and develop their unique talents. Play is not just fun—it is a vital part of growth and development.
Play is not just fun—it is a vital part of growth and development. It strengthens social skills as children learn to share, negotiate, and collaborate with their peers. It builds resilience as they encounter challenges, make mistakes, and try again. It fosters curiosity and creativity, encouraging children to see problems from different perspectives and to imagine new possibilities. Most importantly, play nurtures joy, and joy is what makes learning stick. Families often tell us that their children leave our programs not only with new skills but also with a renewed sense of wonder and excitement about the world. By honoring play as a central part of education, we ensure that children grow into confident, curious, and compassionate learners who are ready to embrace the future.
Social & Emotional Development
We place a strong emphasis on helping children build social and emotional skills. Through group activities, storytelling, and collaborative projects, children learn empathy, cooperation, and resilience. Our nurturing environment ensures that every child feels supported as they navigate the challenges of growing up. These skills are essential for success in school and in life.
Through group activities, storytelling, and collaborative projects, children learn empathy by seeing the world through another’s eyes, cooperation by working together toward shared goals, and resilience by facing challenges with encouragement and support. Storytelling, in particular, allows children to connect with the experiences of others—both from history and from their peers—helping them develop compassion and perspective. Collaborative projects teach them how to listen, compromise, and celebrate the contributions of others, while also giving them the confidence to share their own ideas. These experiences prepare children not only for school but for life, equipping them with the tools to navigate friendships, family relationships, and future workplaces with confidence and care.
TESTIMONIALS
Real impact , Real voices
“Little Bear has been a wonderful place for my daughter, Emma, who is in the preschool group. She loves the hands-on activities and comes home excited to tell us what she learned.” – Sarah M., Parent of Preschooler
“Our son, Jacob, is in the elementary program, and we’ve seen such growth in his confidence and curiosity. The staff truly care about the children and make learning fun.” – David L., Parent of Elementary Student
“As a parent, I appreciate the emphasis on safety and trust. I know my child is in good hands, and that peace of mind is priceless.” – Rachel K., Parent of Preschooler
“The community events are fantastic. We’ve met so many other families and feel more connected to our local history than ever before.” – Michael and Laura P., Parents of Elementary Student