Red Door: Three to Four Year Olds
Our Three to Four Year Olds Classroom
Welcome to Red Door
A collaborative and engaging environment
Children in Red Door learn through play-oriented experiences and meaningful project-based explorations. Educators design daily group gatherings and guided provocations inspired by children’s current interests, encouraging curiosity and shared discovery. Enriched by weekly walking trips, visits from community experts, and outdoor adventures, this classroom experience fosters connection, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging as children grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
Child Development Teacher: Laura Hays
Email: hayslj@missouri.edu
Classroom Phone: 573.882.4754
Collaboration in action
Classroom Schedule
With a focus on collaboration, Red Door’s schedule features play-orientated learning and project-based explorations. Children participate in daily group time and guided learning provocations curated to their current interests. Weekly walking trips, visits from community experts, and outdoor adventures highlight some of the unique learning opportunities available to enrolled children.
Where curiosity drives discovery
Our Curriculum
The CDL utilizes the Project Construct Curriculum in all classrooms. This research-based constructivist framework focuses on hands-on, child-led learning and aligns with the Missouri Early Learning Standards (MELS). Educators seek to engage, inspire, or challenge children through dynamic project-based work. Drawing on the principles of Piaget and Vygotsky, children build knowledge through interaction, experimentation, and guided problem-solving. All activities are designed to foster independence, grow curiosity, and develop critical thinking skills through robust play-based learning.
Learning through play and discovery
Exploration In Action
Animals with Jobs
Children met with members of Mizzou’s Service Dog Club to learn how dogs can have jobs too! They learned about how these animals support individuals with disabilities, and how to be respectful of these animals while they are on the job. The presentation ended with pets and licks from these hardworking furry friends. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Social Emotional Development; Life Science
Red Door, Red Door - What do You See?
Red Door children worked to recreate the beloved Eric Carl Book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Children wrote and illustrated their unique versions of this book to share with friends and families based on the important animals in their lives. Missouri Early Learning Standards: Approaches to Learning; Language and Literacy; Expressive Arts
Meals
Red Door will enjoy seasonal menu items in a family-style setting. To build confidence and independence, children will serve themselves and practice setting up and cleaning after each meal. Featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, they are encouraged to explore a rich world of flavors and textures. When possible, produce and herbs from the children’s garden are included in menu items. Children in this room will also be given the opportunity to periodically practice cooking and engage in taste testing with our Chef.
Teachers
Child Development Teacher
Laura Hays, MEd
Child Development Associate
Erin Baker, MA