SINCE 1972, THE OPEN CENTER FOR CHILDREN HAS WORKED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES TO CREATE A NURTURING EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE EXPERIENCE. THE PLAY-BASED CURRICULUM INSPIRES CHILDREN TO BECOME MOTIVATED, SELF-DIRECTED LEARNERS, FEEL COMPETENT IN THEIR SKILLS AND ABILITIES, EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVITY AND DEVELOP TRUSTING, RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE. THE OPEN CENTER EXPERIENCE HELPS CHILDREN DEVELOP THE TOOLS NECESSARY FOR LIVING IN A DIVERSE WORLD BY APPRECIATING DIFFERENCES AND BEING ABLE TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS PEACEFULLY.