My Philosophy

 

I plan my curriculum using the guidelines for best practices outlined in the National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC, publication Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs.

What does that mean? It means that I design play spaces, plan projects and experiences, and introduce concepts based on what is accepted as developmentally appropriate, according to the latest early childhood research.

Preschools call themselves Montessori, Play Based, Academic, Reggio, or a blend of more than one. But all of these “ideas” or approaches are, or should be, based on the same principles of early childhood education. I will take ideas from many approaches, but stay firmly aligned with NAEYC guidelines.

 

Here is a quick list of my philosophies and approach to early childhood education that I consider when planning my program.

 

·      Warm personal relationships with caregivers.

·       Positive interactions- making eye contact and giving clear direction.

·       Provide materials that allow for individual children to work at his or her own level.

·       Use written and oral language in all areas of the program to help develop emerging literacy skills.

·       Provide plenty of opportunity for children to play and interact with friends. Encourage emerging interpersonal skills and assist with conflict resolution.

·       Create an atmosphere where children can feel secure, cared for, and welcomed.

·       Encourage children to participate in many activities and meaningful tasks such as painting, cleaning, and gardening. Provide the proper tools and materials to work at these tasks.

·      Encourage outdoor play and adventure.