Our Philosophy

Seward Child Care has been fostering the development of the whole child through participatory democracy, anti-bias skills, and environmental awareness since 1973.  Children, teacher, and parents work together to create a democratic environment.

What Makes Seward Child Care Center Unique?

• Parent-governed—the school was created by parents and is still governed by parents cooperatively
• Teacher run—the teachers collectively run the school (without a director) so all decisions are made with the children’s needs first.
• Democratic participation-- the Teacher Collective and Parent Cooperative allow children to experience democracy firsthand.
• Child-initiated learning—children learn to make decisions and choices within a safe and structured daily routine.
• An approach to conflict that encourages social skills and peaceful ways to resolve disputes.