ABOUT
Our Philosophy
Helping Children Reach Their Fullest Potential
Our philosophy is children learn best and develop to their fullest potential through active participation in a wide variety of activities which take place in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment. Positive self-image is enhanced by developing personal independence and by learning how to communicate and get along with each other. Positive self-esteem is developed when children’s individual abilities and differences are recognized and valued. In order to carry out this philosophy, our program:
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Provides planned activities which encourage and stimulate the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of each child.
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Provides a safe, secure, and nurturing atmosphere that encourages children to actively explore the world around them.
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Provides opportunities for exploration and discovery in a wide variety of activities such as music, art, cooking, dramatic play, storytelling, and problem solving.
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Provides indoor and outdoor experiences which enhance the development and coordination of large and small muscles.
Discipline Policy
It is our hope that children will, with simple redirection, make good choices in the classroom and on the playground. We encourage children to play in a developmentally-appropriate manner, to share, and to learn self control.
Positive Child Guidance- Praise Good Behavior First
"Positive Child Guidance" is provided by all staff members. This means we intervene before a problem occurs, practice redirection, and positive reinforcement of acceptable behavior.
Redirection includes the teacher guiding the child toward another activity or action and away from the inappropriate activity.
Positive reinforcement is used when children are rewarded for an appropriate action with verbal praise, a hug, or a small token like a sticker.
"Think Time" is used when redirection and/or positive reinforcement has failed. The teacher and child talk about the inappropriate action and the appropriate way to handle the situation if the behavior continues. If “Time Out” is necessary, the time limit will not exceed more than one minute per year of age, for example, 4 years old = 4 minutes.
Discipline will not be associated with food, rest, or toileting and children will never be denied outdoor/active play as a result of misbehavior. Children will not be subjected to discipline which is severe, humiliating, or frightening. Spanking or any other form of corporal punishment is not used. Parents will be notified of their child’s disciplinary problems and the director, or teachers will work with parents to encourage their child to exhibit acceptable behaviors.
Child Suspension/Expulsion
Unfortunately, there are times when a child must be suspended or expelled from our program. Children may be suspended or expelled due to unmanageable behavior, endangering the safety of other children or staff, a parent's refusal to sign a Child Behavior Guidance Plan, violation of childcare licensing regulations, inappropriate parent behavior and delinquent accounts. There are no discounts or credits given due to a child's suspension.