The WECP provides an inclusive educational program, reflecting the overriding philosophy that all children can fully participate in the preschool program. The WECP emphasizes a respect for individual differences, focusing on the positive contributions every person can make to his or her community. Children with disabilities benefit from the combination of individual programming within a broad array of development-enhancing experiences. In addition, typically developing children leave the WECP with an appreciation of what people with disabling conditions can do, as well as skills that enable them to interact with people with a range of abilities. Two core beliefs in the field of early childhood education are the importance of child-directed play and the influence of the physical environment.
Children learn best in open-ended activities they can initiate and direct.
The role of the educators is to thoughtfully plan learning environments in which children's learning can be enhanced. Playground design may be considered as a continuum. On one hand, there is the notion that children's playgrounds should include equipment such as swings, slides, and climbing apparatus. The Discovery Garden will emphasize this naturalistic perspective, along with the judicious use of equipment. This view is based on the belief that an outdoor experience should include an appreciation of the natural world, opportunities for adventure and discovery, exploration and experimentation that are provided in an informal and naturalistic outdoor space.