Unique to TCDN is a model of family grouping or mixed-age grouping - the central working principle since our early years.

Family grouping provides a framework to enact our philosophy by creating an environment where children learn from each other in a spirit of cooperation.

The sensitivity and responsibility of taking care of each other leads to increased pro-social behaviors such as sharing and helping, and resembles the comfort and security of a family. Within this climate of expected cooperation, children work together to learn new skills and also learn, quite unconsciously, a valuable lesson: it is alright to be different.

Family grouping provides the opportunity for teachers to understand and respect a child’s individual strengths and needs in a mixed range of ages and are not tempted to expect the same progress from each child. There is a wider range of acceptable behaviors that reflect normal irregularities in developmental growth patterns.

Children can be exposed to experiences they are ready for and curious about, rather that depend on experiences based on adult concepts of developmental norms. Family grouping promotes inclusion, as children with varying needs find a comfortable level within the group, and all children have more opportunities to make transitions between levels of development.

In the family grouping model, the younger child observes, emulates, and learns from more competent children - not just a new skill but how to solve problems or speak respectfully. The older child, in the role of modeling/teaching, has the opportunity to internalize adult standards and express leadership and responsibility along with patience and verbal skills.

As children grow within a group, they move from emulator to serving as a model, and can conceptualize their growth and compare where they have been to where they are. Family grouping provides real contexts for children to show and strengthen their disposition to be nurturers and leaders.

TCDN is extremely proud of family grouping as a model that supports our philosophy. Providing a flexible environment for developmental growth, children make their choices and teachers facilitate growth and learning.