At ilo Early Learning Center, we have adapted the Finnish schooling model to provide an age-appropriate, comprehensive early childhood education that incorporates social, emotional, academic, and physical development, while still adhering to Colorado Education standards. The Finnish school model, which has been in practice for 40 years, has been recognized by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) as one of the best in the world.

In keeping with the name of the school, we strive to create an environment that instills the joys of learning in your children, giving them that positive experience that sets them up for success as they progress on their educational journey.

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Our full-day program is intentionally designed to support this growth, with each part of the day offering essential learning experiences. The first part of the day often focus on foundational skills, while the latter part of the day emphasizes collaboration, group projects, and social-emotional development. These elements are just as important as academic learning and are carefully woven into our daily rhythm. For that reason, we do not offer a half-day enrollment option.

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The ilo approach is similar to Montessori in that the classroom has children of different ages, utilizes age-appropriate self-guided hands-on learning, set in an environment that promotes self-discipline, personal responsibility, and mutual respect. Additionally, we believe in learning through play, put a focus on team and group interactions, and endeavor to interleave nature into our lessons.

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In the classroom, we live by the tenets of Conscious Discipline, inclusive of Composure, Encouragement, Assertiveness, Choices, Empathy, Positive Intent, and Consequences.