Our Philosophy
We honor play as a vital component of early childhood development. It is the foundation of all learning and the most important way children discover themselves and the world around them. Our philosophy centers on creating sensory-rich, dynamic environments where play is child-led and curiosity-driven. We design spaces that are intentionally flexible and ever-changing, with thoughtfully curated materials that inspire exploration and creativity. For play to truly be child-led, children must feel empowered to follow their interests and take the lead in shaping their experiences, and we provide an environment that supports this freedom.
At the Hollow, play extends far beyond tables and rugs - we offer treehouses, climbing ladders, kinetic sand kitchens, and multiple opportunities for physical gross motor play and exploration. We incorporate “real” materials—tools, objects, and resources typically found in the adult world—to give children meaningful opportunities to build confidence and problem-solving skills. We bring the wonder of open-ended, child-led play that naturally occurs in the outdoors into the heart of our classrooms.