Our Curriculum
Benefit From Holistic Childcare in Katy, TX
Emotional intelligence and holistic childcare are at the heart of everything we do at Hooray Playground in Katy, TX. Through daily routines, creative play, and guided peer interactions, children learn to recognize emotions, manage challenges, and build healthy relationships. Activities like our “Big Feelings” class and expressive arts help children develop empathy, confidence, and self-regulation in age-appropriate ways.
Our psychologist-designed curriculum focuses on five key areas of social and emotional learning to prepare children for success and resilience.
Empowering Children
Psychologist-Designed Curriculum for Holistic Growth
At Hooray Preschool Academy, our curriculum is built on five key principles, developed by psychologists to foster children’s social-emotional growth and overall well-being. We aim to nurture self-management, emotional regulation, social awareness, and cognitive development through carefully designed activities.
Our facility is equipped to support each principle with dedicated spaces and programs. In our large gym, children develop physical coordination and self-confidence, learning the importance of persistence and positive self-talk, a core aspect of self-management. Art and music classes offer opportunities to explore feelings and express creativity, while practicing fine motor skills and emotional awareness.
We integrate the principles into our daily routines by using positive words of affirmation, encouraging children to recognize and articulate their emotions. For example, during our “Big Feelings” class, children learn to identify different emotions and practice using calming techniques like deep breathing and yoga. Group activities foster social awareness, teaching empathy, cooperation, and respect for others’ emotions.
By weaving these principles into every corner of our curriculum, from gross motor activities to reflective practices, we empower children to build resilience, emotional intelligence, and a love for learning in a safe, nurturing environment.
Curriculum Highlights by Age Group
Every child develops at their own pace, which is why our curriculum is intentionally structured to support growth across distinct age ranges.
Toddlers (18–36 months) explore foundational emotional concepts through sensory play, simple routines, and guided social interactions.
Preschoolers (3–5 years) engage in structured activities that build emotional vocabulary, empathy, and self-regulation through storytelling, role-play, and collaborative games.
School-age children (6–12 years) deepen their emotional intelligence with problem-solving exercises, peer-led discussions, and real-world applications of social skills.
This age-specific approach ensures that children are not only learning, but thriving—emotionally, socially, and developmentally—at every stage of their journey with us.
Emotional Milestones
During the toddler years, children begin to form the building blocks of emotional awareness. They start to recognize basic feelings like happiness, frustration, and comfort, often expressed through body language and simple words. Our program supports this stage by creating predictable routines and nurturing relationships that help toddlers feel safe and understood.
As children move into preschool, their emotional vocabulary expands. They begin to identify and name a wider range of emotions—such as excitement, sadness, or pride—and start to understand that others have feelings too. Through guided play, storytelling, and group activities, preschoolers learn to navigate social situations, express themselves more clearly, and practice empathy in everyday interactions.
By the time children reach elementary age, they’re ready to explore emotions with greater depth and nuance. They begin to reflect on their own experiences, consider multiple perspectives, and manage more complex feelings like disappointment or anxiety. Our curriculum encourages this growth through peer collaboration, problem-solving exercises, and open discussions that build emotional resilience and self-awareness.
Safety and Cleanliness Standards
Your child’s well-being is our highest priority. Our facility follows strict safety protocols, including secure entry systems, age-appropriate equipment, and consistent supervision by trained staff. We maintain low child-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention and safe group dynamics.
Cleanliness is upheld through daily sanitization of all learning and play areas, frequent handwashing routines, and the use of non-toxic cleaning products. Our team is trained in health and hygiene best practices, creating a safe and healthy environment for every child, every day.
What We Teach
Explore Our Curriculum
Gym
Art
Music & Movement
Science & Tech
Math & Engineering
Reading & Writing
SEL
Yoga
Language
Why It Matters
SEL in Early Education
Why Social and Emotional Learning Matters
Academic Improvement:
Emotional Regulation:
Mental Health:
Bullying Reduction:
Social Skills and Conflict Resolution:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is holistic childcare, and how is it different from traditional childcare?
Holistic childcare focuses on nurturing every aspect of a child’s development—emotional, social, cognitive, and physical. Unlike traditional programs that may emphasize academics alone, our approach supports the whole child through psychologist-designed activities that build emotional intelligence, creativity, resilience, and physical confidence.
How does Hooray Playground support social and emotional growth?
Social and emotional learning is at the heart of our curriculum. Children participate in daily mindfulness practices, group discussions, and our signature “Big Feelings” class, where they learn to identify emotions, practice empathy, and develop tools for self-regulation. Our educators model compassionate communication and help children navigate social dynamics with confidence.
What is the “Big Feelings” class?
“Big Feelings” is a dedicated time for children to explore emotions through storytelling, movement, and creative expression. It’s a safe and playful space where children learn to recognize their inner experiences, understand others’ feelings, and build emotional resilience. This class helps children develop self-awareness and empathy—skills that support healthy relationships and lifelong well-being.
Who designs the curriculum at Hooray Playground?
Our curriculum is created by child development psychologists and early education experts. It’s built around five core developmental pillars: emotional regulation, social awareness, creative expression, cognitive growth, and physical coordination. Every activity and space is intentionally designed to support these areas in age-appropriate, engaging ways.
How does physical development fit into your holistic approach?
Physical development is essential to a child’s overall well-being. Our large gym and movement-based activities help children build coordination, strength, and perseverance. These experiences also support emotional regulation and confidence, reinforcing the connection between body and mind.
Is this program suitable for children with different learning styles or needs?
Absolutely. Our holistic approach is designed to honor each child’s individuality. Whether your child is a quiet observer, a bold explorer, or somewhere in between, our curriculum adapts to support their unique strengths and challenges. Our educators are trained to create inclusive, responsive environments where every child feels seen and supported.