At Jelly Bean Junction, we believe play-based early childhood education is the heart of meaningful learning. During the first five years of life, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time. What children experience in these early years lays the foundation for how they think, feel, and engage with the world for the rest of their lives. That’s why we embrace a philosophy centered on joyful learning, curiosity, and purposeful play.
We understand that children grow and learn at their own pace. They are naturally curious, motivated by what interests them, and most engaged when learning feels fun and relevant. Play-based early childhood education taps into this natural drive and encourages children to explore, imagine, problem-solve, and create in ways that build lifelong skills.
Why Play Matters
At Jelly Bean Junction, play is more than just fun—it’s fundamental. Through play, children develop critical thinking skills, learn to collaborate with others, express their emotions, and gain confidence in their abilities. Activities such as pretend play, building with blocks, painting, storytelling, and sensory exploration aren’t just “free time”—they are carefully planned opportunities for developmental growth.
Research supports this approach. As noted by Zero to Three, “Play is the true work of childhood.” It is through play that children make sense of their experiences, develop resilience, and grow socially and emotionally.
Our Approach
We design our classrooms and curriculum to reflect the principles of play-based early childhood education. Each classroom is filled with hands-on materials that encourage exploration and creativity. From art centers and science corners to dramatic play areas and quiet reading nooks, children have the freedom to follow their interests while being gently guided by skilled educators.
Our teachers are not just caregivers—they are facilitators, observers, and partners in learning. With small group sizes and a nurturing environment, they are able to connect deeply with each child and tailor experiences to support individual growth.
We use developmentally appropriate assessments to monitor progress in areas like language, motor skills, social-emotional development, and early literacy and numeracy. These assessments are shared with families through the Procare app, newsletters, daily communication, and scheduled conferences. We value your role as a parent and view your insight as essential to your child’s success.
A Safe and Stimulating Environment
We believe that a child’s surroundings play a big role in how they learn and grow. Our facility is designed to be both safe and inspiring. It includes:
-
A full security camera system to ensure safety and peace of mind
-
Bright, spacious classrooms designed for movement and discovery
-
Educational games and software that support interactive learning
-
Age-specific outdoor playgrounds with varied textures to promote gross motor development
-
A full-time custodian who maintains a high standard of cleanliness daily and on weekends
We are proud to offer a clean, beautiful space where children feel secure and excited to learn.
Partnering with Families
At Jelly Bean Junction, we believe play-based early childhood education is most powerful when educators and families work hand-in-hand. We communicate regularly to keep you informed about your child’s progress and daily experiences. Whether it’s a quick update through Procare, a newsletter featuring classroom highlights, or a face-to-face conversation, we’re here to listen, support, and celebrate each child’s growth with you.
Together, we can build a strong foundation for your child’s future—one filled with joy, creativity, and confidence.
Learn More About Our Programs
Want to see how our philosophy comes to life? Visit our Programs Overview page to explore how each age group experiences our approach to early learning.