The Purpose of Education
Our philosophy is that the primary purpose of education is to prepare
children cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically to become
successful, contributing members of our society.
Preparing children cognitively
includes developing academic capabilities such as reading skills, writing
skills, listening skills, math concepts, scientific concepts, as well as fine
arts concepts such as music, art appreciation, and drama. These academic concepts, however, are taught
at a level compatible with each individual child’s own level of
development. For example, reading
skills for an infant would involve visually tracking a toy as it is moved
playfully around in front of her.
Reading skills for a four year old would include learning to identify
the letters of the alphabet. Drama concepts in
the toddler room would include interacting with the teacher as he or she
uses puppets, while older children might put on a show with the very same
puppets.
Preparing children socially
includes promoting and providing a model for positive interaction with
teachers, parents, peers, and others.
It also includes teaching children to appreciate differences in ethnic
backgrounds, beliefs, languages, opinions, and abilities. For example, a model for positive
interaction for an infant involves learning to interact with his caregivers and
other infants. Positive interaction for
older children involves learning to make appropriate choices regarding their
behavior.
Preparing children emotionally
includes promoting and building self-esteem and helping children become more
independent. Children should also be
helped to learn how to deal with their emotions and control their impulses. For example, building self-esteem
for all children involves being hugged every day. Independence for all children is fostered
through learning self-help skills appropriate to each child’s level of
development.
Preparing children physically
involves designing activities not only for the mind, but for the body as
well. This development includes large
motor skills as well as small motor skills.
For example, developing physically for an infant involves learning to
crawl, walk, and hold a bottle. For a
toddler, it involves learning to run, jump, and hold a crayon. For an older child, it involves learning to
climb, catch a ball, and write with a pencil.
Education is a major force in the shaping of our children’s futures and ultimately, our own future as well.
The Teacher’s Role
The teacher or
caregiver’s role in the educational process is predominantly three-fold. First, the teacher is a facilitator
of learning. The teacher must
get to know each child and how he or she learns best. Next, the teacher must gear his or her
lessons to the developmental level of each individual child and take the
children from the level they are at to the highest level they can successfully
achieve. Then, the teacher must set
up an environment conducive to learning.
This environment includes not only colorful walls and innovative centers,
but a positive, risk-free climate where respect for authority, the classroom,
and especially children is the norm.
Second, the teacher is a
nurturer, not only of the mind, but of the body and soul as well. This role involves providing guidance,
support, help, and unconditional love and respect for every child in his or her
care.
Third, the teacher is a support, not only for the child but for the child’s parents as well. In this role, the teacher not only supports the parent’s efforts at raising their children, but also serves as a resource who can discuss stages and phases of child development and developmentally appropriate practices with children.
Our Goals
As you can see, our
program has a lot to offer young children and their families. We will make learning fun and exciting
for children. We will provide a
safe place where children are respected and appreciated. We will strive to be the very best child
care center anywhere. We want to
make a difference in the lives of children in order to help prepare them for
becoming successfully functioning members not only of our child care center
community, but of our global community as well. We hope you will join us!