In 1986, Catherine Eckhardt opened Growing Years Preschool. At Growing Years, each child takes home a developmental portfolio after graduating, which showcases how many inches they've grown since the first day of school and includes writing samples to demonstrate how much their skills have improved over time.
The play-based, as opposed to academic-based, curriculum ensures each child has a messy, hands-on experience in the classroom. Kids can of course wash up at child-sized sinks before munching on crackers, cheese or cookies during snack time, or before digging into a fulfilling and nutritious lunch.