The principles of the Tutor Time^® LifeSmart™ curriculum follow the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Based on extensive research and inspired by the work of respected development/early education theorists Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson and Lev Vygotsky, and inspired by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. We’ve arranged these multiple intelligences into 8 distinct ways that kids can be intelligent, or our 8 “Smarts”:

• Word Smart: Likes to read, write and tell stories and excels at learning and using new words.
• Math Smart: Explores patterns and numbers, and enjoys figuring out how things work.
• Body Smart: Uses body language, loves to move and play sports, excels at dancing and other physical activity.
• Design Smart: “The visualizer” loves to understand maps, draw, build, design and create.
• Music Smart: Has a natural sense of rhythm, and enjoys singing, playing instruments and listening to music.
• Nature Smart: Likes to be outside and care for living things.
• People Smart: “The socializer” likes to work in groups, pretend to be someone else, and is sensitive to the feelings of others.
• Me Smart: Likes to be introspective, is in-tune with their personal feelings and thoughts and enjoys working alone.

Our classrooms include learning centers full of ways for kids to explore and investigate all eight areas, and to build problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Tutor Time teachers supplement these experiences with group activities that focus on a variety of curricular themes. This curriculum gives children the tools they need to grow and develop into the leaders of tomorrow. Along with a strong emphasis on mathematics and literacy skills, our programs give children a framework they can use throughout school – they learn to love learning.

With programs for infants through elementary school students, Tutor Time has something for every family. Click for an overview of our educational programs by age group.