Our Approach
Our classrooms are designed to honor curiosity
At OPENair Academy, we believe children learn best in environments that honor their ideas, questions, and capacity for relationship. Our teachers guide learning through exploration, reflection, and collaboration—helping children build empathy, independence, and the understanding that grows through deep thinking, exploration, and experience.
Learning Through Curiosity & Connection
Our approach is grounded in constructivist theory—the understanding that children build knowledge by engaging directly with the world around them. Drawing on the work of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, John Dewey, and David Hawkins, we see learning as an active, social process shaped by experience and reflection. Hawkins, a Colorado educator and thinker, emphasized the importance of teachers and children learning together—an idea that deeply influences how we teach and design our classrooms. Teachers act as collaborators and guides, shaping the curriculum around the children’s interests and discoveries. Learning becomes a process of thinking deeply, reflecting together, and finding meaning through shared experience.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Philosophy
We draw inspiration from the Reggio Emilia schools of northern Italy, founded under the vision of Loris Malaguzzi. His belief that “nothing without joy” belongs in education continues to guide our work. Like Reggio, we view children as capable, creative thinkers who express ideas through many languages—art, movement, construction, storytelling, and play.
At OPENair, these principles come to life in how we design our environments, collaborate with families, and document children’s learning. Each classroom becomes a space for shared inquiry and expression, where ideas are explored not through instruction but through relationship and wonder.
Learning Begins with Care
Care is the foundation of all meaningful learning. Inspired by the writings of Nel Noddings, Jane Roland Martin, and Carol Garboden Murray, we believe that the emotional life of the classroom is inseparable from its intellectual life. When children feel seen, safe, and valued, curiosity flourishes. Teachers model empathy, patience, and respect—building the trust that allows real learning to unfold.
This understanding of care goes beyond kindness; it is a professional practice. As Murray reminds us, the routines of early childhood—feeding, comforting, listening—are the curriculum. A culture of care among teachers and families ensures that our classrooms reflect not just what we teach, but how we live our values day to day.
Thinking by Design
At OPENair, teaching is not about following a script—it’s about intention. Inspired by Loris Malaguzzi’s idea of “thinking by design,” our teachers approach each day as designers of experience rather than deliverers of lessons. Every choice—the arrangement of materials, the questions we ask, the moments we pause to observe—is purposeful.
Teachers begin with observation, watching how children explore, communicate, and problem-solve. These observations become documentation—stories, photos, and reflections that make learning visible and guide what comes next. Through ongoing reflection, teachers shape new provocations and ideas, ensuring that learning stays connected to each child’s curiosity and growth.
This process makes our classrooms living laboratories of thought and relationship. Nothing here is accidental; everything is designed to invite wonder, collaboration, and discovery.
“OPENair is a safe place for our son be his true, full self! He is celebrated, encouraged, and inspired by the kind staff every day. There’s no better environment for him to spend his weekdays learning, playing, and exploring.”
Katie
Mom of 1
Ruth has been at OPENair since she was just six months old, and I honestly can’t imagine a better place for her to grow 💛. She’s learned compassion, curiosity, independence, and so much joy here. The community has embraced not only Ruthie but us too—giving our whole family real friendships and a sense of belonging in a world that can sometimes feel disconnected. The directors and teachers pour so much passion and thoughtfulness into everything they do, and you can truly feel it. OPENair’s focus on inclusiveness, self-discovery, and genuine care has been such a gift to our family—we’re endlessly grateful ✨.
The Frys
Parents of 1
“We really love how much time the kids spend outside and all the fun adventures they go on exploring our community. The mixed-age classrooms and the way the day follows the kids’ interests make it feel like a big, supportive family where everyone learns and grows together.”
Danielle
Mom of 2
“For more than 5 years, OPENair was more than a daycare for our children, it was a community that helped shape us as new parents. The level of care Stacey and her team gave our two children during every step of their development was instrumental in their early childhood education. They were always met where they were, and as parents, so were we. They were challenged when they lagged, they were cared for when an extra hug made a difference, they were always safe and surrounded by caregivers and friends that, two years later, we still consider our dearest friends. As new parents, we received all the support we needed, and sometimes, even more than what could have been expected from a daycare. I can’t think of a better place for our family during such a critical time for our children.”
Susi
Mom of 2
All of the OPENair staff became like family for us. Everyone knew our names and our kids’ names. They all took such great care of our two daughters and genuinely took an interest in how they were growing as compassionate members of their community. The activities they did at each age were fun and imaginative. I personally loved when my eldest in preschool made baby food for the infant room and then got to visit her sister there when the babies tried the foods!”
Beth
Mom of 2
“When the kids were at OPENair, I knew they were learning and doing all the things they needed to do, and that all the teachers there took good care of them. It was nice to have that confidence.”
Nick
Dad of 3
“If I could have moved OAA and the teachers with me when we moved out of state, I would have. The community, learning philosophy and care are unrivaled in any other school community I have ever experienced.”
Kylie
Mom of 3
“How do you sum up a place that has become a part of our family over the last 10 years? We have sent 3 kids through OPENair Academy and from the beginning of our time there to present day, we have felt privileged to be part of this special place. The leadership team is incredible, setting an example every day by their hard work and love of the kids. The teams of teachers at each age level demonstrate levels of patience, professionalism and love we hope can follow our children for forever. We could not imagine a better launching pad for our kids to have experienced in their first and most tender years. OPENair Academy is one of a kind and we are so lucky to have them as partners in our parenting journey.
Courtney & Nick
Parents of 3
“At OPENair both my children flourished in so many ways. Coming from a nanny share during the Pandemic with our first, we were worried about many things, but it turned out to be the best decision we could make. The open environment, the emphasis on outside play even when it’s cold, the genuine and caring teachers, the accepting and inclusive environment for all, and the constant improvement of the different play areas are all reasons why we love OPENair.”
Dan
Dad of 2
“We have had a wonderful experience with OpenAir Academy. We sent both our kids there and between the kids we spent close to 5 years there. From the very beginning in the infant room, we felt our child received nurturing care. As they moved up to the toddler room, we were so impressed by the creative and interesting provocations from the teachers that kept our kids so engaged. The teachers are incredibly friendly and caring, they provide thoughtful feedback during the formative years for kids. The staff at the front desk are welcoming and they try to know each of the kids and their family. Our kids had a great time there and love going back to Stanley Marketplace to say Hi to their teachers!”
Shriram
Dad of 2
“Our daughter went to OPENair from 4 months old through preschool, and we were impressed the entire time. The infant teachers helped us navigate being new parents, and I was consistently impressed with the creative activities the toddler and preschool teachers came up with daily. It has been over 2 years since we left, and our daughter still gets excited when she runs into former teachers and staff when we are at the Stanley.”
Mother of Lucy
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
Learning grows in relationship. At OPENair, we listen to one another, celebrate difference, and create spaces where every voice has value.
