4 Things Parents Should Know About the BeeCurious Curriculum

About the Author: This article was originally published by Chicago Parent. Written by Kim Kovelle, a content manager with over 20 years of writing and editing experience.

Discover how the BeeCurious curriculum in Chicago day care and preschool centers nurtures curiosity, creativity and growth with nature, creativity and more.

Imagine your preschooler tinkering with play dough, popsicle sticks and recycled objects. Their task? Build a structure strong enough to hold an ornament. It’s fun, and they’re setting the groundwork for STEM learning — which is part of BrightPath’s pre-K BeeCurious curriculum.

“Between 0 and 6, children’s sensory abilities are at the highest,” explains Samaya Khattak, BrightPath’s Chief Education Officer. “A holistic curriculum allows them to learn through play and an environment that’s rich in learning materials focused on their development.”

As BrightPath prepares to open its first Chicago locations — in Bucktown and Sugar Grove — in early 2025, here are three key things parents should know about its BeeCurious curriculum.

1. BeeCurious curriculum at a glance

“It really is a reflection of a few philosophies, including Montessori and Reggio,” Khattak says, “bringing the best of all those elements together.”​

• It’s a hands-on, inquiry-driven curriculum designed for ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
• It’s used in BrightPath’s 230+ childcare and preschool centers in the US and Canada.
• It focuses on STEM discovery, creative discovery, physical literacy, math discovery, essential skills, language and literacy, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, creative discovery and building connections.
• It blends play, projects and exploration to build curiosity and confidence.
• Its holistic approach nurtures children’s social, emotional, physical and academic growth.

2. The natural world is foundational

For toddlers, this might look like a nature walk followed by a sensory exploration of leaves and rocks. Older preschoolers dive deeper, counting objects or experimenting with weights.

“There’s a lot of ‘why,’ ‘what’ and ‘where’ that comes with natural materials,” says Khattak. “You might have a pumpkin split open, and the children get their hands dirty — seeing what’s gooey, separating the seeds and exploring textures.”

What it fosters

• Hands-on discovery: Toddlers collect leaves, rocks and other safe materials to explore sizes, colors and shapes.
• Creative connections: Children build homes for pet bugs using loose parts or care for worm beds, for instance, fostering a sense of curiosity about the natural world.
• Environmental stewardship: Nature studies help children build empathy for animals and habitats and explore concepts like recycling and conservation.

3. Creativity is woven into activities and spaces

Whether children are indoors or outside, the BeeCurious curriculum focuses on giving them room to explore, create and grow.

Ways it comes to life

• STEM challenges: Activities like sink-and-float experiments and weight testing introduce basic physics concepts in a hands-on way.
• Physical literacy: Yoga and active play develop confidence, motor skills and a love of movement.
• Indoor multi-purpose rooms: Flexible spaces support creative play and physical activities, even on snowy Chicago days.
• On-campus playgrounds: Safe, secure outdoor spaces, including rooftop options, provide room for exploration and fun.

4. It nurtures community and diversity

Whether it’s a family sharing traditions like Diwali crafts or children learning about different Chicagoans making an impact, youngsters’ horizons expand with a focus on global citizenship.

“Children are growing up in diverse environments, with many cultures and languages,” Khattak says. “Starting early helps them develop respect for diversity, which becomes a positive attribute as they grow.”

How it works

• Family involvement: Parents share cultural traditions through books, crafts and stories.
• Celebrating diversity: Lessons reflect local influences and introduce children to cultures and traditions beyond their own.
• Collaboration and empathy: Teamwork and group projects help children build social skills and friendships.

“It really is child-focused and child-oriented,” Khattak says. “We want to make sure that they’re ready for school and confident-yet-knowledgeable little individuals ready for their next steps.”

BrightPath Chicago Locations Opening Early 2025