Welcome to Early-Years at LIS

At Leiria International School, our Early-Years program embraces children aged 3 to 5, providing a warm and inspiring environment where curiosity leads the way.

We believe every child is curious, courageous, and resilient — a capable learner who brings their own stories, interests, and discoveries into the classroom. Our program nurtures language development, creativity, and collaboration, while cultivating a deep sense of wonder and connection with nature and the world around them.

In Early Childhood at LIS

We prioritize play and inquiry as the foundation of learning, giving children time and space to explore, imagine, and discover.

Learning experiences are personalized to meet each child’s needs, with a balance of one-on-one and small-group moments that encourage growth and confidence. As a community, our children come together for shared stories, celebrations, meals, and collaborative projects that build belonging and joy.

Our holistic curriculum integrates academic, physical, artistic, and social-emotional development. Outdoor adventures—whether in our gardens or through nature walks—spark curiosity and inspire meaningful questions. For our youngest learners, we offer nap or quiet moments to rest and recharge, while mindfulness and storytelling create calm and reflection throughout the day.

We look forward to sharing this journey of discovery and growth with your family.

Our Early Childhood beliefs

  • We see every child as a protagonist in their own learning story — curious, capable, and full of potential. Each one comes to school carrying ideas, questions, and theories about the world. Our role is to listen deeply, to value their voice, and to nurture their sense of wonder as they construct meaning from their experiences.

  • Our Early-Years philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where learning is viewed as a dynamic process of discovery, expression, and relationship. We believe that children learn best when they feel seen, heard, and empowered — when they are invited to explore, to take risks, and to build knowledge in collaboration with others.

  • Through play and inquiry, we cultivate a culture of curiosity and creativity. We see learning as a dialogue — between children, teachers, families, and the environment. Together, we co-construct understanding through observation, reflection, and shared discovery.

  • Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Built on trust, empathy, and respect, they connect us to one another and to the wider world. In every interaction, we aim to model kindness, openness, and the courage to learn together.

  • We believe that learning is a collective journey. Our community — children, families, and educators — thrives on participation, collaboration, and shared celebration. Together, we create a culture where every voice matters and every contribution shapes who we are.

  • We design our environments as “the third teacher”: places of beauty, possibility, and reflection. Every space — indoors and outdoors — invites exploration, dialogue, and connection with nature. It is within these living environments that children feel safe to wonder, to question, and to grow.