Learning together, learning from each other.

We embrace a mixed-age learning model, where children ages 16 months to 5 years learn, play, and grow together in a developmentally responsive, inclusive environment. This structure fosters peer modeling, social-emotional development, and a sense of community that benefits all learners, regardless of their individual strengths and needs.

Why Mixed-Age Learning?

• Peer Modeling & Skill Development: Younger children naturally observe and learn from older peers, enhancing their language, social, and motor skills through imitation and interaction. Older children reinforce their own learning by guiding and assisting younger peers, strengthening their leadership and communication skills.

• Social-Emotional Growth: Mixed-age settings promote empathy, patience, and cooperative play. Children learn to navigate social interactions, resolve conflicts, and practice turn-taking in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

• A Flexible, Individualized Learning Experience: Traditional age-based groupings often assume that children learn at the same pace. In contrast, our mixed-age classrooms allow children to progress at their own rate, with opportunities to explore, repeat, and refine skills as needed.

• A Sense of Community & Belonging: When children learn in a diverse peer group, they form lasting friendships and connections that foster a deep sense of belonging—a crucial foundation for lifelong learning.

By creating a space where children of various developmental ages and backgrounds learn together, support each other, and grow at their own pace, Indie Learning Co. cultivates an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Big support in a small setting.

We intentionally maintain small group sizes to ensure that every child receives individualized support and meaningful interactions throughout their learning journey. With fewer children per educator, our team can deeply attune to each child's communication style, sensory needs, and personal learning goals.

This structure allows us to:

• Provide tailored learning experiences that align with each child’s developmental stage.

• Foster strong connections between educators and learners, creating a safe and trusting environment.

• Encourage peer collaboration while ensuring every child has the support they need to engage at their own pace.

• Identify and respond to challenges quickly, adjusting strategies to help each child thrive.

By prioritizing quality over quantity, we create a setting where children feel seen, heard, and supported—allowing them to develop confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Your child’s way of being is not only welcomed—it’s celebrated.

Our curriculum is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and affirming of every child's unique strengths and needs. We support all forms of communication, integrate sensory accommodations into every learning area, and focus on building connection over compliance.

In addition — our team is trained by and collaborates with our in-house Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and BCBAs to embed therapeutic strategies into everyday routines. This means your child receives support in communication, regulation, executive function, and social development naturally throughout their day.

Because play is serious learning.

Children in the Early Learning Lab learn through hands-on, interest-driven exploration. From building and art to collaborative projects, each day is filled with rich opportunities to develop language, motor skills, social-emotional understanding, and critical thinking.

We understand that every family has different needs, routines, and commitments. Our half-day schedule options provide flexibility, consistency, and high-quality learning experiences while ensuring that children receive the individualized support they need. Families can choose from a 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day schedule, allowing for a balance between structured learning and time at home or in other settings.

Why Choose a Half-Day Schedule?

• Flexibility for Families:
  We know that not every child thrives in a full-day setting, and many families appreciate the ability to combine Indie’s inclusive, play-based learning with other therapies, homeschooling, or family time. Our 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day options allow you to select the schedule that works best for your child.

• Consistent Routine Without Overwhelm:
  A half-day program provides structured, high-quality learning experiences while respecting each child’s energy levels and processing needs. This schedule allows for a predictable routine that fosters security, confidence, and engagement without the fatigue or overstimulation that can sometimes come with longer school days.

• Engaging, Play-Based Learning: Every Day
  Regardless of how many days a child attends.

• Opportunities for Social Growth & Peer Connections:
  Children who attend on a consistent schedule build strong friendships, develop communication skills, and gain confidence in social settings. Even in a 2-day or 3-day schedule, learners benefit from structured group play, peer modeling, and collaborative problem-solving.

Schedule Options:

• 2-Day Program: Perfect for families who want gentle exposure to structured learning while maintaining flexibility.

• 3-Day Program: A great balance between structured learning and home-based activities or therapies.

• 5-Day Program: Ideal for families seeking a consistent, immersive learning experience.

All schedule options provide access to the same high-quality, neurodiversity-affirming curriculum.

By offering multiple scheduling choices, Indie ensures that every family can find the right fit—allowing children to thrive in a supportive, engaging, and developmentally responsive environment.