The program addresses the need of the children to learn, to play, to interact socially with others, to handle new and untried emotions.

DWA offers the opportunity to learn and experience as much as each child desires or is capable of learning and experiencing. This is done in an environment that recognizes the uniqueness of each child. No child is forced to learn more than he/ she is prepared to learn. By the same token, the child who desires to learn or experience more is given every opportunity to do so.

DWA's uniqueness or "signature" is its emphasis on respect and caring for others in all facets of life. Clear and consistent guidance to all children to respect the needs and uniqueness of others, to accept and appreciate differences in all individuals. Skills in cooperation are taught within an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Children are presented with a tremendous variety of opportunities to learn and to express themselves fully at DWA. Our  approach is based on Piaget's child development theories that stress the role of children as active learners. Within each week, activities are carefully planned to provide stimulation and guidance in all major areas of development. These activities are geared to accomplish the following goals:

• To develop the children's self-esteem, sense of self-worth, and positive feelings toward themselves.
• To stimulate their desires to learn in all development areas: intellectual, social, physical, and most important, emotional.
• To provide an exciting place to learn and to enhance their joy of learning.
• To enable children in our school to view themselves as unique and special people with individual patterns of growth and development.
• To enable children to develop a sense of order, coordination, concentration, and independence.
• To help children learn to follow directions by using active listening skills as well as being able to use words in self expression, whether it be to a peer, teacher, or other adults.
• To develop children's respect for themselves, others, and the world around them through observation, interacting with peers and real objects, and seeking solutions (problem solving).
• To develop an awareness of nutrition and good eating habits by providing healthy snacks.To develop fine motor control that will help children succeed at simple tasks like cutting, gluing, writing, etc.To develop large motor skills, like running, jumping, and balancing, to develop a healthy body and mind.
• To provide a curriculum that allows children to progress at their own rate and that responds to children's individual differences according to abilities and interest.
• To promote parental involvement in the children's school experience.
• To make children aware of the community around them through field trips, guests, visitors from the community.