Our Guiding Principles

Playfulness, Exuberance and Fun. Children construct some of their most important learning through play. We believe that joy and engagement increase the possibility for learning and creativity, and are required for powerful educational experiences. At IPCP, play is one of the ways children express themselves, process new topics and ideas, and form relationships. Play is an integral part of our program and evolves as children grow – from the dramatic play areas of the Toddler program into language and project work in the Preschool classroom.

Family Engagement and Involvement. At the core of IPCP is a belief in the partnership between family and school in the endeavor to raise children. Joining IPCP means joining a group of warm, creative, and engaged parents. Parents participate in daily classroom activities through Parent Helper Days and are involved in the direction of the school through committee work. Each year, we learn together, make connections, and play together as an essential part of school life. Fun family events include: Hallowgreen, Alumni playdates, Auction, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Art Night, and more!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our goal is to create and maintain a school culture that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates diversity in all of its forms. Our DE&I committee is tasked with ensuring continual progress in this regard.

Creativity. We believe that creative expression is a basic human need. We are dedicated to connecting children with their ability to create and to express themselves. Our teachers design rich, developmentally appropriate settings which ensure opportunities for safe and active exploration. By helping children access their innate creativity and expression, we believe they will become intrinsically motivated to learn and more fully engaged in life.

Each child is unique. Children learn, develop, and perceive the world in different ways and should be supported accordingly. We carefully observe and assess each child's individual interests and needs, then use this information to guide our teaching. Because we know that learning comes most naturally when driven by children's interests, we adapt instruction to the learning styles of each child, while being mindful of our shared goals. 

Nature-Based Learning. Teaching reverence and respect for one another, communities, and ecosystems cannot be more powerfully taught than in a “living Outdoor Classroom.” Students explore in our outdoor classrooms nearly every day, often regardless of the weather, with the support and guidance of their teachers. It is not uncommon to find a class outside in rainy, windy weather looking for worms or splashing in puddles in the classroom garden. IPCP teachers use a variety of tools and resources to meet the developmental needs of the children, while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. 

Commitment to Sustainability. Our commitment to being green goes beyond just our green spaces. We have a real focus on fostering sustainability and providing a healthy environment for our children. Both of our facilities received “Green Community Foundation” grants that have allowed us to make many green renovations. Recycling and composting takes place in each classroom reinforcing the importance of being sustainable and showing them that the environment is important. It also helps create responsible adults, with a better chance of having a decent planet to live on!

Self Awareness, Positive Relationships and Well-Being. It is critical for children to develop a profound sense of self, which we believe involves considering and understanding their own social skills and strategies for well-being. Additionally, developing positive relationships with peers and adults is the basic building block for children to become confident, life-long learners who respect themselves, each other, and their community.

Affordability. IPCP seeks to build a student body that reflects the diversity of each community it serves. Financial assistance is available and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For priority consideration, we request that you submit applications for financial assistance by April 15 for the following school year.