The back-to-school season is a time for many families to evaluate early learning programs, with increasing attention on environments that foster foundational skills beyond traditional academics. Researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education have identified six essential building blocks for lifelong learning: creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, self-regulation, perspective-taking, and early identity. These skills are often nurtured through enrichment experiences that encourage exploration, creation, communication, and problem-solving.
Parents seeking full-time child care options that incorporate enrichment into the daily schedule are turning to providers like The Crème School, a premium early learning program. For children ages two through five, Crème integrates four daily, 30-minute enrichment classes—STEM, Spanish, music, and art—into its research-led core curriculum. These classes take place in dedicated enrichment classrooms and are guided by their own research-based curricula, reinforcing the skills Harvard researchers highlight.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) encourages children to ask questions, investigate, experiment, and solve problems through hands-on exploration, nurturing curiosity and critical thinking. Research shows that early inquiry-based experiences lay the foundation for later scientific thinking and innovation. Music engages children in singing, movement, rhythm, and instrument play, supporting creativity and strengthening memory and attention. It has been linked to improvements in early language skills and executive functioning. Visual arts encourage children to create, experiment, and express themselves through drawing, painting, and sculpting, developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Spanish introduces a second language during a key developmental window, building communication skills and, according to research, fostering stronger perspective-taking and social development.
“Our enrichment classes do more than expose children to new subjects,” said Stephanie Sturdevant-Ward, vice president of operations for The Crème Schools. “They help develop the habits that support learning throughout life, such as asking questions, working through challenges, collaborating with others and approaching problems with curiosity and confidence.”
As families consider school choices for their young learners, evaluating how children learn is as important as what they learn. When enrichment is woven into the daily curriculum, children gain more opportunities to grow curiosity, creativity, and the foundational skills that support future learning and development. Families can learn more about The Crème School’s programs and daily enrichment rotations at CremedelaCreme.com.
