At SHACC, teachers are expected to take an active role in engaging with the children throughout the day, making every interaction a meaningful opportunity for growth and connection. This means that teachers are not only supervising activities but also immersing themselves fully in the children’s experiences. By asking open-ended questions about what the children are doing—such as, “What are you building?” or “Can you tell me about your drawing?” —teachers help to encourage critical thinking, expand vocabulary, and foster curiosity.

When children engage in imaginative or pretend play, teachers join in, taking on roles within the play scenario and encouraging the children’s creativity. This involvement helps build social skills, such as turn-taking and cooperation while supporting the child’s self-expression. Teachers are also quick to notice when a child is interested in a story and will sit down to read books, either when prompted by the child or during quiet moments. Reading together helps to develop a love for literature and supports early literacy skills.