Infant, Toddler, PreK Development: Exploring the Four Pillars of Learning at Le Village

A deep dive into infant, toddler, and PreK development through Le Village’s Four Pillars—fine motor, gross motor, sensory, and art—that nurture growth and discovery.

When we created Le Village, we weren’t just thinking about childcare — we were thinking deeply about how infants, toddlers, and PreK kids develop and grow during those most important early years. You’ve probably heard the term “play-based learning” before, and it’s true that children are incredibly smart and capable at this age. If you leave them to their own devices, they will figure things out in amazing ways. That natural curiosity and drive to explore is the foundation of all learning.

But what we’ve learned is that when we intentionally provide rich, tactile, fascinating invitations to discover, children don’t just play — they go farther. They dive deeper. They learn more.

At Le Village, our role as educators is to create these invitations to learn — thoughtfully designed opportunities that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and just plain fun. Sometimes children want to jump right in; sometimes they step back or say no, and that tells us just as much about how they learn and who they are as individuals.

This is the heart of our curriculum, built around four key pillars: Little Hands, Big Body, Sensory, and Art. These pillars guide us to offer varied and meaningful experiences that help children process the world, build skills, and feel seen and understood.

Little Hands (Fine Motor) — The Power in Every Tiny Touch

From the very first grasp of a soft block to the proud moment a toddler threads their first bead, Little Hands are where big things begin. These tiny muscles are quietly building the foundation for everything — from tying shoes to writing stories. At Le Village, we celebrate every scoop, pinch, and pinch-and-release as a victory. Imagine a baby delighting in the feel of silky scarves slipping through their fingers, or a preschooler mastering the careful art of using child-sized scissors to craft a masterpiece. Each purposeful activity is an invitation — one that awakens concentration, sparks confidence, and fosters independence. Watching a child’s eyes light up as they master a new skill is one of the greatest joys here.

Beyond the physical, Little Hands is about more than just building strength and coordination. These activities are a foundation for cognitive and emotional growth. When children engage in purposeful tasks—like transferring pom-poms with tongs or carefully stacking blocks—they’re learning to focus their attention and develop patience. They practice starting a task, sticking with it, and finishing it. These moments plant seeds of calm, perseverance, and self-control that help children find quiet strength within themselves.

It’s in these small, focused experiences that children begin to learn, “Yes, this is challenging, but I can do it. If I keep trying and practicing, I will get there.” This is emotional development in action, quietly growing alongside the fine motor skills.

Big Body (Gross Motor) — Movement That Builds Courage and Joy

Movement isn’t just play — it’s discovery, strength, and celebration of what the body can do. Whether it’s a baby’s triumphant first roll, a toddler’s confident first steps, or a preschooler balancing across a beam with fierce determination, Big Body moments are milestones of courage and growth.

Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are alive with laughter, energy, and the thrill of challenge. Picture a joyful dance party erupting spontaneously or a nature walk where curious feet explore textures of grass, mud, and leaves. These aren’t just fun moments — they’re building blocks for physical health, spatial awareness, and self-assurance that last a lifetime.

At the same time, Big Body play is an early teacher of social awareness and safe decision-making. Children learn to respect their bodies and the space around them, understanding boundaries, sharing, and how to make safe choices in a supportive environment.

Sensory — The Gateway to Wonder and Understanding

The world is a playground of sensations — from the cool splash of water to the rough bark of a tree. Our Sensory experiences invite children to slow down, touch, listen, and really be with their environment.

Think of a child mesmerized by the swirl of colors in a water table or the satisfying crunch of leaves beneath their fingers. These hands-on moments awaken the senses and the mind, cultivating curiosity, problem-solving, and the joy of discovery.

In a noisy, screen-filled world, these sensory invitations provide calm, focused opportunities to make sense of the simplest, most profound wonders — connecting children to the world and themselves. Sensory play also supports emotional regulation and focus, helping children find peace and clarity amid the day’s busyness.

Art (Visual, Music, Movement) — Where Imagination Takes Flight

Creativity is the heartbeat of childhood, and our Art pillar is a vibrant celebration of that. Here, every song sung, brushstroke painted, and story told is a chance to express, experiment, and connect.

Imagine the exhilaration of a toddler splashing paint boldly across paper, a preschooler twirling wildly in a dance of pure joy, or a group of friends inventing a story inspired by recycled treasures. This is a place where messes are celebrated as masterpieces in progress and where every child’s unique voice is honored.

Art at Le Village is not just an activity — it’s a powerful language that nurtures confidence, emotional intelligence, and a lifelong love of learning. It gives children a safe space to explore and express their feelings, building the foundations of self-awareness and empathy.

Why This Matters

90% of a child’s brain is developed by age five. This tells us how precious these early years are for learning.

At Le Village, we believe children need both the freedom to explore and the thoughtful support to make sense of their discoveries. We don’t see ourselves as pushing or rushing; rather, we offer engaging invitations and attentive presence so each child can find their own path.

We know that in today’s world, with so many distractions and noise, children benefit deeply from spaces where they can be truly present, noticed, and guided — where adults listen and ask meaningful questions instead of overwhelming them with stimuli.

This balance — between freedom and guidance, curiosity and focus — is what makes Le Village different. Our curriculum is designed to honor children’s natural intelligence while thoughtfully supporting their growth every step of the way.

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If you’d like to learn more about how our curriculum supports your child’s unique journey, or to schedule a visit, please reach out. We’d love to share how we nurture curious, capable kids ready to thrive. Please schedule a tour at our Milwaukee, Des Plaines, Lakeview-Chicago, Irving Park-Chicago, or Learners locations here!