Cobleskill-Richmondville Children's Center

The philosophy of the C-RCS Children’s Center stems from the idea that high-quality childcare must meet all the needs of a child including psychosocial physical and intellectual. Good programs must be both age-appropriate and individually appropriate. Teachers must provide meaningful classroom activities that challenge children to move forward. The children must also be able to complete many of the tasks and activities that are given in order to promote self-confidence and reassurance. The teachers must plan a balanced schedule so that the children do not feel rushed or tired. Lastly the teachers will encourage the parents to become part of the learning community. Throughout the year the director and teacher will schedule meetings with parents about their children’s needs and progress.

The program reflects the Eriksonian concept that the adult-child relationship promotes the development of trust autonomy and initiative in program participants. Piaget’s theories that children need to construct their own knowledge and expand their own intellectual concept through leisurely and sustained play experiences is encouraged. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence is also used to individualize planning for children’s different learning styles. Attempts to institute formal techniques that are inappropriate or an overemphasis on achievement of narrowly-defined academic skills will be discouraged.

The program is designed to be intellectually stimulating not academically restrictive. Worksheets dittos adult-directed projects or mandatory participation in large group activities are examples of inappropriate practices which are generally not included in the program. The room arrangement the materials the schedule and the practices are organized to promote the process of learning rather then the product. The principle of the developmentally appropriate practices advocated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guides the planning of the curriculum and daily activities that focus on play exploration experimentation and discovery.

Students and faculty in the Family and Consumer Sciences program are valued and contributing members of the childcare team. The team fosters mutual respect for young children and an understanding of play as a powerful and effective vehicle for learning. The family and culture of each child is respected and valued in every aspect of the program.

This philosophy has led to the creation and implementation of a loving and warm family-friendly environment in which skilled and sensitive adults work in concert with three- and four-year-old children to create a joyful and harmonious program.