A Place Where Children Are Seen, Heard, and Valued
A play-first, outdoor-centered daycare inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach where learning emerges through curiosity, relationships, and exploration.
Respect
We see children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Each child is honored as an active participant in their own learning, with ideas, emotions, and perspectives that matter.
Relationships
Learning happens through connection. We value strong relationships between children, educators, families, and the environment, believing trust and collaboration are essential to meaningful learning.
Exploration
Play is a form of research. Children learn by exploring, questioning, and revisiting ideas over time. We support this process through thoughtful observation, reflection, and project-based experiences.
Grow Their Creative Confidence
Children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled. They are capable, curious, and deeply connected to the world around them.
At My Friends & I, we believe children actively construct their own learning through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Our role is to listen, observe, and thoughtfully design environments that invite discovery.
Following the Child’s Lead
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our program is rooted in respect for children as strong, capable thinkers.
We follow children’s interests and questions, allowing learning to unfold organically through projects, conversations, and hands-on experiences. Educators act as collaborators and guides—supporting learning rather than directing it.
Learning Through Exploration
The Role of the Environment
The Environment as Teacher
Our indoor and outdoor spaces are intentionally designed to inspire wonder, creativity, and collaboration.
Materials are open-ended. Spaces evolve with children’s interests. Nature plays a central role in daily experiences, offering opportunities for movement, observation, risk-taking, and reflection.
Learn Through Projects
Project-Based Learning
Children engage in long-term projects that grow from their own ideas and fascinations.
Through observation, reflection, planning, and revisiting, projects deepen over time—supporting critical thinking, communication, creativity, and connection.
Learning is documented, celebrated, and shared with families as part of the process.
Learning Emerges
Through Play
A Thoughtful Approach to Early Learning
From the moment we walked into My Friends & I, our son felt completely at ease. It was the only daycare we toured where he left our side, walked over to the other kids, and was immediately welcomed into their coloring activity. He now wakes up every day excitedly asking if he can go to “Ms. DeeDee’s house”, and as a parent, that alone speaks volumes.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely invested in each child’s growth. They always keep us informed and help support us through big milestones like potty training. The outdoor-based learning environment is a kid’s dream, filled with crafts, story time, swings, bikes, and constant opportunities to explore. We’re always amazed by how much he’s learning!
It’s been an incredible experience for our family and we can’t recommend MFI enough!
The Five Developmental Domains
Whole-Child Development
Each day supports growth across five interconnected areas:
Social
Building relationships, collaboration, and community.
Emotional
Developing empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.
Physical
Strength, coordination, confidence, and connection to the body.
Cognitive
Curiosity, problem-solving, and sustained inquiry.
Language
Expression through words, movement, art, and many forms of communication.
Rooted in the Community
For over 30 years, we have supported families in our community with thoughtful, relationship-centered care. We continue to learn, reflect, and grow—alongside the children and families we serve.