Why Families Choose Open Center for Children

A Place Where Your Child is Known, Loved, and Inspired

Choosing a preschool is an important family decision, and we don't take that responsibility lightly! Families choose our school because they’re looking for more than just childcare. They want a place where their child can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually in a warm, respectful, and joyful environment. That’s exactly what we offer.

A Thoughtful, Relationship-Based Approach

At the heart of our program is a deep belief in the importance of relationships—between children and teachers, families and educators, and among peers. We take the time to truly get to know each child: their interests, their temperament, and the unique ways they learn and express themselves. This relationship-based foundation helps children feel safe, confident, and ready to explore.

A Curriculum that Emerges from Children’s Interests

Our curriculum is responsive, emergent, and deeply rooted in the principles of inquiry and play. Rather than following a rigid script, our teachers listen closely to children—observing their play, their questions, and their evolving ideas—and build learning experiences that grow from what matters most to them.

This approach helps children feel ownership of their learning and allows for deeper engagement. Literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts are woven throughout the day in meaningful ways, supported by rich classroom environments, open-ended materials, and documentation of children’s thinking. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view the environment as a "third teacher"—carefully designed to invite exploration, collaboration, and creativity.

Experienced Teachers Who Lead with Care

Our teaching team is not only highly skilled, but deeply committed to the craft of early childhood education. They are reflective, intentional, and continually growing. They create environments that invite curiosity, celebrate individuality, and honor each child’s voice. Teachers meet regularly as a team to reflect on children’s development, share observations, and collaborate on next steps, ensuring each child is truly seen and supported.

A Culture of Professionalism and Warmth

Families often tell us that the warmth of our community is what sets us apart. Behind the scenes, we prioritize a strong, supportive team culture—because we know that children benefit most when the adults around them are connected, communicative, and collaborative. You’ll notice this in the way our teachers work together, in the consistency of care your child receives, and in the open lines of communication with your family.

Community-Rooted and Publicly Supported

We are proud to be supported by the Somerville Partnership for Young Children and work in close collaboration with Somerville Public Schools. Through this partnership, we are able to offer high-quality, accessible early education that aligns with the city’s commitment to equity and excellence for all families. As part of the broader early childhood ecosystem in Somerville, we stay connected to professional learning opportunities, shared resources, and a strong local network that enhances what we can offer to children and families.

A Place to Grow At Every Level

We believe preschool is not just preparation for kindergarten—it's a profound and important stage of life in its own right. Our classrooms are full of rich conversations, open-ended materials, meaningful routines, and joyful learning experiences. Children learn to express their ideas, care for others, work through challenges, and discover the world around them with confidence and curiosity.

When you walk into our school, we hope you’ll feel it: the sense of calm, the joy in the children’s play, the genuine care in every interaction.

We invite you to come see for yourself what makes our community so special!