W E B E L I E V E
Our Philosophy & Values
We believe that children need to Learn to Play and Play to Learn. Play meets the needs of the whole child. Child guided learning experiences, individualized learning, and developmentally appropriate learning are key to learning through play. Along with teaching specific academic skills, a play-based approach helps children “learn how to learn”. Through exploration, experimentation and play, children develop a concrete understanding of the world, which is the crucial foundation for all higher learning.
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We believe in a child-centered curriculum. We strive to balance teacher- directed and child-initiated learning with a focus on experience-based learning (learning by doing) and emergent curriculum (building on children’s strengths and interests). The activities we plan for children, the way we organize the environment, select toys and materials, plan the daily schedule, and talk with children are all designed to accomplish the goals of our curriculum and give your child a successful start in school. It is our goal to help children become creative, independent learners who grow in both self-esteem and self-control.
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We believe that children need developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Our qualified teachers strive to respect the age, developmental needs, and cultural needs of the individual child. This approach to education is based in research on how young children grow and learn, allowing each child to meet challenges and achieve learning goals.
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We believe that early childhood education should meet the needs of the Whole Child. Our curriculum identifies goals in all four main developmental domains: social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. The acquisition of positive social skills is emphasized at Kids’ Co-op.
We believe that teachers and parents work together to assess children’s strengths and needs. When a developmental delay is suspected, the teacher will advise the parent at the earliest possible time and make recommendations for intervention, support, and/or recommend an in-depth developmental evaluation conducted by a trained professional.
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We believe in family connection and education. At the Kids’ Co-op, each member is actively involved by volunteering in the classroom, sharing in the business operations of the school, and by participating in ongoing education to ensure their child’s emotional, social, and educational success.
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We believe in cooperation. At Kids’ Co-op, children, parents, and teachers grow and learn together.