The primaries system
Each family assigns their children to 1–2 designated non-parent "primaries" who share in the child's care, know their routines, and can substitute seamlessly. Primaries are assigned based on temperament match, skill, and child preference.
Age-group care structure
Infants (0–18 months): highest care intensity, assigned to holders with medical training. Toddlers (18 months–3 years): high supervision demand, dedicated toddler space with enclosed outdoor play area. Preschool (3–5 years): structured play and early learning, transitions into Education's programming. School-age (6–12): in Education during school hours; childcare covers before/after school, weekends, and summer. Teenagers (13–18): progressively more autonomy and increasingly participate as assistant caregivers.
Children as participants, not passengers
From age 4 or 5, children participate in simple, safe, meaningful work alongside adults. A child who has helped plant, preserve, and serve the food they eat understands their place in the system in a way no classroom can teach.
Child safeguarding protocols
Establish clear adult-child boundaries, a child protection policy, and a clear protocol for responding to any concern about a child's safety.