The Story of Hilltop

Welcome to Hilltop Children’s Center and Educator Institute, a high quality early childhood education provider and professional development institute serving the Greater Seattle community since 1971. Together, we are working with the next generation of inventors, leaders, thinkers, artists, and social activists.

Hilltop is an internationally recognized and has built partnerships with the local school district and the city’s Department of Education and Early Learning. The children’s center has been providing and promoting child-centered early education for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years for 50 years. Drawing inspiration from the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, Hilltop’s faculty engages daily in rigorous reflective practice – collaboratively designing curriculum and environment around the emerging interests and curiosities of children. 

Hilltop is a place where . . . 

• Children are valued for their ability to do meaningful work, their sense of wonder and curiosity, their perspectives, and their ability to play. 
• Families are valued for their bonds and traditions, their ability to play, their commitment to work, home, and community, and their dreams for their children. 
• Staff are valued for their vision, their delight in children, their skill and knowledge, their commitment to families. 

Hilltop is first and foremost, a center of inquiry – for children, families, faculty, and the field. Our educators are early learning professionals dedicated to celebrating the wonders of childhood alongside children, while also deepening their teaching practice with children through regular reflection and study.