Goals of Teddy Bear Preschool
Here's how we do things...
We appreciate each child for who he/she is.
We create and maintain a safe, nurturing environment in which active
learning can take place.
We promote growth and development through the physical environment, a
planned program of developmentally appropriate activities, interaction
with peers, and the guidance of caring adults who are concerned with the
whole child.
We foster self-esteem, confidence and initiative in each child.
We provide an environment that offers the opportunity to make choices and decisions, to practice positive problem-solving
strategies and successful self-help activities, and to engage in kindergarten readiness activities.
We encourage concern for others, compassion, and appreciation of cultural
diversity.
A research-based approach
Teaching the whole child
The quality of an early childhood program can be determined by the degree
to which it meets the standards of the profession.
The program should be based on theories and principles of child development and accepted best practices of early childhood programs.
When a program is based on child development theory, it is considered “developmentally appropriate.” As defined by the National Association for the Education for Young Children, a developmentally appropriate program is one that is planned and carried out based on a knowledge of how children grow and what they can do – socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically – at each stage of development.
Children are learning new skills and developing special interests as they take
on typical growth tasks at each stage of life. In addition to having their own
individual timetables of growth and development, children bring their own
special interests, life experiences, strengths, and needs. A quality program is
therefore based on not only what is appropriate for a given age group but
also what is individually appropriate for each child.
Adults who work with preschool children understand that they are
active, social individuals who have lots of ideas they want to share.
Preschoolers benefit most when offered a variety of activity choices, such as
dramatic play, block building, art, toys, puzzles, exploring sand and water,
cooking, music and movement, and a rich selection of good books.
Quality programs help children develop independence and view themselves as
competent learners. Giving children choices helps them learn to make
decisions and ensures that they can participate in activities that interest them.
Children learn best when they can explore concrete materials and when they
can share their ideas and questions with other children and with caring
adults. It is play, but there is much value in it.
Preschool curriculum helps develop the important language, literacy, and reasoning skills that prepare children for reading and mathematics instruction in kindergarten and
the primary grades. To the greatest extent possible, children learn these
skills in the context of activities, projects, and play.