Experts in designing learning spaces that elevate naturalistic and child-centered learning

Experts incorporating positive child development and encourage positive adult child interactions

Reflect and address community needs in their exhibit content.

Staff are trained in techniques for working with objects as teaching tools

Also trained in exhibits that communicate their meaning or message to visitors. 

They operate outside of the structures of formal education systems

Incubators and innovators for testing and developing child centered and play-based pedagogies for engaging children in learning. 

Rely on staff with expertise in learning theories, child development and pedagogy to develop impactful and cutting edge programs and experiences.

Contribute new knowledge to educational and museum literature 

conducts own research and assessment practices.

Act as cultural gateways

Many times are the first point of entry for building lifelong museum going habits

Are an important part of the social service fabric of their communities

Help to provide resources, such as health information, parenting classes and teacher training. 

A symbol of how a community treats and respects children

Presence of a children's museum helps create more child-friendly communities

Often anchor institutions for community revitalization efforts

They are constantly responding to the current needs of the children and families in their communities, from health to academics to social issues, as seen in their exhibits, outreach, and programming. 

They cultivate deep and wide-ranging relationships with partners from all sectors to best serve all children and families in their communities and address critical social issues affecting them. 

They share a commitment to equity and inclusion, with subsidized attendance programs, programs for children and families with special needs, multicultural programming and more more.