In 1986, Edisen House began with three infants and one caregiver. Since then it has grown tremendously and now includes infants through pre-K students; however, the small ratios have been maintained and the family atmosphere has continued to be an important component.

We believe that children learn best by being active participants in their environments. For true learning to occur, children need to be explorers and manipulators of what is around them. Our role as educators is to provide them with developmentally appropriate activities and materials that will stimulate them to reason, ponder, and investigate things further. They might do this individually or in small groups with a teacher. This philosophy underlies our curriculum from the infant room to the pre-K classroom.

In order to do this, children need to be free to play in a safe, stimulating world. We believe strongly that play is vital to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of young children. Through play, they learn what is real and what is not, they develop symbolic thinking, they learn to interact with others, and they lay the foundation for all the cognitive changes that will rapidly occur. Children who are given opportunities to explore through play learn to question, figure out answers, and problem solve. This in turn will generate excitement and enthusiasm about learning - a goal of our program.

A second goal of our program is to allow each child to develop at his or her own pace. We view children as unique learners who need the opportunity to acquire knowledge in ways that are meaningful to them. No two children will learn the exact same way, and no two children develop at the same rate.

Our teachers are the conduits through which we achieve the goals of our program. They make learning come alive each day, whether it's exploring textures with infants through the use of whipped cream or making a cave for bears to hibernate in with the pre-K students. Our teachers understand the individual differences amongst their students, and they nurture and support these with warmth and enthusiasm.

Our program is flexible and enrollment options range from two days a week to five days a week, with part time or full time availability. Lunch is included for full day children.

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Edisen House gives faculty children top priority. As long as space is available, faculty children are automatically given a spot. Following that, preference is given to siblings of current Edisen House and Country Day students, as well as to children of Country Day alumni. Children from the community outside Country Day are also invited to apply when space is available. The latter students are admitted on the basis of several criteria, such as date of application, gender (to balance classes), and diversity. Older students will also be invited to join us for a play date.

Private tours are available. Please call 831-4523 to schedule an appointment.