Our Philosophy of learning is that of developmentally appropriate practices. We use art, nature, music, movement, math, language, logic, inter- and intra-personal relations in our approach with children. We also believe that Maslow's basic need of learning and Erikson's "Eight Stages of Man" are vital in understanding children's needs.
Teaching young children is a creative process that addresses all aspects of a child's development: social-emotional, cognitive, creative, and physical. We arrange the rooms to promote interest centers, and equip each center thematically so that children explore materials that promote the development of large and small motor, imaginative and cognitive skills. The center is an active community, connected to the social world of which it is a part, rather than an isolated place for "learning lessons." Our fire captain and local community police officer come to the center to visit us, as do the dental hygienist, and other local professionals.
Our identified curriculum is the Creative Curriculum. We take the stages of development: to trust others outside the family, to gain independence and self-control and to take initiative and assert themselves in socially acceptable ways. We enhance and foster this development by following a consistent schedule, making contact with each child during the day, giving them developmentally appropriate materials to play with, praising their efforts and allowing them to explore the environment freely. We also encourage make-believe play, help them channel their frustrations and encourage them to see tasks through to completion.Our infant and toddler curriculum is in alignment with the Ohio Infant and Toddler Guidelines.
The Preschool and Prekindergarten programs are aligned with the Ohio
Early Learning Content Standards, and our infant and toddler programs are
aligned with Ohio's infant and toddler programs.
We develop our themes around the interests and needs of the children. Throughout the year we will explore a variety of themes and topics with the children. Some topics include: shapes and colors; fall, winter, spring, nature, the weather, seasons, feelings, harvest, multicultural celebrations, Thanksgiving, Family traditions, transportation, safety, community helpers, Fire Prevention, dinosaurs, insects, teddy bears, our bodies, food, nutrition, our senses, flowers, birds, farm, baby animals, Mother's Day, and sea life. While we do have a weekly or monthly focus on a certain topic, letter, number, shape or color we do discuss all of these concepts all the time trough out the year.
We also allow the curriculum to emerge from the children's experiences. If a family is expecting a new addition to the family we will provide books or activities related to helping older children adjust to family changes. Our goal is for your child to develop a frame of reference of ideas, knowledge, problem-solving, motor and social skills that will prepare her for a lifetime of learning.
