We have a developmental approach to children’s learning. We believe young children learn and grow best at their own pace. We try to instill a love and excitement for learning by exposing children to a variety of experiences and activities appropriate to their individual needs and their readiness to progress from one developmental stage to the next. Our emphasis is on the learning process, which does not always result in a finished product or a completed task, and evolves differently for every child.

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One of our primary goals is to foster healthy social and emotional development. We try to respect each child’s individuality, to be aware of the importance of his/her contribution to the group, to understand and encourage individual differences which enrich everyone’s experience, and to support children in developing a positive self- image. Children are encouraged to feel pride in their own achievements and to appreciate the accomplishments of others. We also strive to help children become aware of their part in a larger group and to learn to cooperate with each other.

 

Another important goal is to encourage cognitive and intellectual development. We believe that young children learn through experience and exploration. Our classrooms’ curriculums are tailored to meet the skills, interests, and needs of individual children as well as the particular group while allowing teachers to incorporate their own individual approaches and creative abilities into their classrooms.

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We work closely with parents in a partnership to facilitate the transition between home and the Center. Daily communication and a sense of trust between parents and staff are vital ingredients of Center life. Parent/Teacher conferences, written developmental evaluations, and year-end portfolios are also provided to update parents throughout the year.

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Our philosophy is based on individualism at all levels – each child, parent, teacher, and member of our community is a valued contributor to the success of the program. We strive to instill respect and appreciation for individual differences and celebrate diversity. To successfully do so, we inform our practice through current research and theory, actively reflecting, adapting, and/or changing programming as necessary to meet the goals of each member of our community and the Center as a whole.