In child-directed programs, children are free to explore their interests and ideas. 

With a child-directed approach, children learn through experiences, not lessons. Teachers/caregivers offer support as children work together to solve problems. In this way, child-directed programs have a lot in common with play-based programs. In both approaches, adults provide support but step back to let the children lead.

The child-directed approach is:

• Open-ended. Teachers/caregivers provide support, but allow children the freedom to let their interests, curiosity, and imaginations lead them.
• Collaborative. Children work and play together to solve problems and create narratives.
• Imaginative. Children are free to follow their own interests and ideas.
• Safe. The child-directed learning environment is created with children in mind. All learning tools are age-appropriate. Children are free to explore without restrictions.

Child-directed programs teach:

• Self-reliance. When students play together, they learn to rely on themselves and their classmates.
• Problem solving. In child-led programs, children learn through doing. This creates opportunities for learning valuable problem solving skills.
• Communication. Children learn to communicate with one another by sharing ideas and playing make-believe.
• Creativity. Children learn to follow and trust their imaginations and play off the ideas of one another.
• Cooperation. Children learn to work together and cooperate with one another. Teachers/caregivers are there to provide support, but do not act as referees.
• Appropriate behavior. Teachers/caregivers model behaviors for students.

Sources:

https://www.childcarequarterly.com/pdf/winter12_child-directed.pdf