Quick Answer

2forU Childcare and Preschool’s West Campus in West Des Moines, IA uses Learning Beyond Paper, a curriculum with thousands of hands-on activities for infants through Pre-K. Lessons build early literacy, STEAM, and social-emotional skills through play, and our teachers plan each day around what children are curious about.

Learning That Children Can Touch

Young children learn best when they can use their hands, move their bodies, and talk with friends. A three-year-old learns about measuring by pouring water from cup to cup. A Pre-K student learns letter sounds by hunting for objects that start with “B.”

That’s the idea behind Learning Beyond Paper, the curriculum our teachers use at our West Des Moines school. Families who choose us often tell us they value learning through play, and this curriculum is built for exactly that.

What Is Learning Beyond Paper?

Learning Beyond Paper is an early learning curriculum with over 4,000 hands-on activities for every age group:

• Infants (0 to 12 months)
• Young toddlers (12 to 24 months)
• Older toddlers (24 to 36 months)
• Preschool (3 to 4 years)
• Pre-K (4 to 5 years)

Lesson plans are digital, so teachers can plan from any device, and the activities use materials found in early childhood classrooms. State early learning standards are built into each lesson. In Iowa, that means our teachers can connect daily activities to the Iowa Early Learning Standards.

Three Big Areas of Learning

Early Literacy

Children build language skills through stories, songs, rhymes, and conversation. An infant teacher might name objects during play. A preschool class might act out a favorite book, then draw their own ending.

STEAM

Science, technology, engineering, art, and math come alive through building, sorting, and experimenting. Toddlers might stack blocks to see how tall a tower can go. Pre-K students might test which objects sink or float, then count and compare the results.

Social-Emotional Growth

Children learn to share, take turns, name their feelings, and work through problems with friends. These skills help them feel confident in the classroom and ready for kindergarten.

What a Hands-On Day Might Look Like

Every classroom is different, but a day at our West Campus might include:

• Morning circle: a song, a story, and a question of the day
• Learning centers: art, blocks, sensory play, and early writing
• Small groups: a teacher-led activity matched to each child’s level
• Outdoor play: running, climbing, and exploring nature
• Quiet time: books, puzzles, and rest

Our teachers watch what children enjoy and build on it. If a group gets excited about bugs, the week might include magnifying glasses, bug counting games, and a story about caterpillars.

Teachers Who Know Your Child

Parents tell us our teachers are the best part of our school. They get to know each child’s personality, interests, and strengths, and they bring real passion to their classrooms. Learning Beyond Paper gives them a strong plan for every day, and their knowledge of your child helps them make each activity just right.

Families stay connected through our daily digital updates, with photos of your child’s activities, plus parent-teacher conferences twice a year.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Children at our West Campus also enjoy enrichment programs:

• Kids’ Kitchen: young chefs measure, mix, and learn through cooking
• Soccer Shots: active, playful soccer that builds coordination and teamwork

We like to have fun as a school community, too. Families look forward to date nights, foam parties, and special treats for parents throughout the year.

Questions to Ask on Your Tour

• How do teachers use Learning Beyond Paper in my child’s classroom?
• What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group?
• How will I hear about what my child is learning?
• Which enrichment programs can my child join?
• What family events are coming up?

Frequently Asked Questions

What curriculum does 2forU West Des Moines use?

Our West Campus uses Learning Beyond Paper, a hands-on curriculum for infants through Pre-K that builds early literacy, STEAM, and social-emotional skills.

What ages does Learning Beyond Paper cover?

It includes activities for infants, young toddlers, older toddlers, preschool, and Pre-K, from birth to age 5.

Is Learning Beyond Paper play-based?

Yes. Activities are hands-on, so children learn by exploring, building, playing, and talking with friends and teachers.

Does the curriculum follow Iowa’s early learning standards?

Learning Beyond Paper builds state early learning standards into each lesson, so teachers can connect activities to the Iowa Early Learning Standards.

Where is the West Campus?

We’re at 720 S 68th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266, open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Learn more about our West Campus.

The best way to see Learning Beyond Paper in action is to visit a classroom.

Schedule a tour of 2forU Childcare and Preschool in West Des Moines, IA or call us at (515) 225-3603.