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I believe that each child is special as an individual. I feel that in order to learn, each child needs to be treated fairly and with respect. Children need to be surrounded with love, acceptance, and one-on-one attention. These components together will build the framework for the growth of positive self-esteem and confidence. Combined with developmentally appropriate activities and experiences, children will develop positive attitude towards all areas of learning.
I feel that children learn best through hands-on play and experiences. These experiences are geared toward their individual developmental level and their personal interests. Children need to have the opportunity to explore their environment and interact with caring adults and peers. Through their experiences, I wish for children to learn teamwork and togetherness, care for their environment, respect and self control, a positive self image, and the skills necessary for success in school.
The environment for my childcare program is in my home. I use all areas of my home for childcare. The bedrooms are only used for napping infants and toddlers. I encourage the children to make my home their own. My home is filled with neutral colors, natural sunlight, pictures of nature and animals, and soft furniture. I have both child sized and adult sized furniture for program use. Learning centers are set up throughout my home. These centers include dramatic play, arts and crafts, science and math manipulatives, library, and blocks.
Each day, we break into groups by age (1-2 year olds and 3-5 year olds) to do activities together. The creative art, math, and science activities are adapted to each child’s development level.
We participate in large group activities several days throughout the week. We often go outside as a group and play a game. This is a chance for us to get additional exercise and to practice working as a team. Often an older child is matched with a younger buddy so they can help each other.
My curriculum has been influenced by many different philosophies. I have taken these ideas and fit them into what I find has works best for the children and for myself. I use a thematic approach to learning. I look for ideas for themes from the children themselves. For example, on little girl loved the moon. She pointed it out every evening. We made that a short theme. These themes last as long as there is interest and we can find activities to build on them! Themes may be 2 weeks to a month long or even longer. Developmentally appropriate materials and activities are a part of these themes. Children will begin to learn physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills through these child-initiated and teacher directed or inspired materials or activities. Activities will include language and literature, creative arts, science and nature, health and nutrition, math, group games and discussion, dramatic play, music and movement, and home living. If you have any ideas for themes or activities your child is interested in, please feel free to let me know. I encourage suggestions from families.
Our schedule is important to us. It serves as a guideline to keep us on track and allow the children to feel comfortable by having routine. I find that being flexible from day to day works best for us. The schedule can change as our interests change for any particular day. For example, if it’s a nice, sunny summer day we might spend extra time outside or if an activity has claimed our attention we might continue it for a bit longer.
My philosophy continues to grow with new ideas in the field of child development. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me.
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My Childcare Philosophy
How Children Learn
Environment
Small Groups
Large Groups
Curriculum
Routine/Schedule