Seward Child Care has been fostering the development of the whole child through participatory democracy, anti-bias skills, and environmental awareness since 1973. Children, teachers, and parents work together to create a democratic environment. What Makes Seward Child Care Center Unique? * Parent-governed—the school was created by parents and is still governed by parents cooperatively * Teacher run—the teachers collectively run the school (without a director) so all decisions are made with the children’s needs first. * Democratic participation—the Teacher Collective and Parent Cooperative allow children to experience democracy firsthand. * Child-initiated learning—children learn to make decisions and choices within a safe and structured daily routine. * An approach to conflict that encourages social skills and peaceful ways to resolve disputes.