Get Adobe ReaderOUR PHILOSOPHY
The program practices at the Children's Center are based on our beliefs about how children learn and should be treated, about the importance of families to a successful school environment, and about the role of teachers in making it all happen.
Central to our philosophy is our view of children as curious, competent and capable learners who are active participants in constructing their knowledge of the world.
We believe that each child is unique and deserves respect, consistency, caring, and challenge as they grow. Further, we believe that:
- Children develop at their own pace – they do not acquire knowledge by force. They are motivated by their own desire to make sense of their world.
- Children learn through interactions with others and through exploration of their environment. Play provides this interaction and exploration, and is the natural mode of learning for the young child.
- Children learn self discipline as they learn respect for themselves, others, and their environment. Pride in their abilities, family, and culture adds to their developing self esteem.
- Children need a balanced program which fosters independence, choice, and challenge. They also need structure and well defined limits in order to feel secure.
Young children's developmental tasks are to build trust, learn social skills, construct their knowledge of the physical and social world, and develop positive self esteem. These tasks are best supported by a program that provides developmentally appropriate activities, well trained and consistent staff, and a safe, healthy and challenging learning environment.