Child Dev Center - John Gill St. Preshool

Our programs reflect our knowledge of child development and are based on the work of prominent developmental theorists like Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Dewey, and Gardner. We support NAEYC and NAA guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs and Accreditation Criteria. We believe that each child grows and develops in a sequential manner at his/her own pace and, with the support of peers and observant, caring adults; children are challenged to reach higher levels of competence. We believe that a childs intelligence is demonstrated in many ways and that each child has a uniquely different learning style and temperament. Therefore, we support emergent curriculum based on the interests of children. We support each childs need to act on his/her own ideas within an encouraging and accepting social context of children and adults.

We believe that it is not only our similarities but also our differences that help us build a community of respect within each child development center. We strive to be inclusive, respecting each others worth and uniqueness. We strive to understand each other within the context of family, culture and individuality. Our programs are based on interconnected relationships between and among families, children, staff and the community.

We believe children should have opportunities to discover, explore and to express their curiosity. We believe that children are inherently competent. By exploring materials and sharing experiences, children make discoveries that build knowledge, awareness and skills. We believe that children should have opportunities to share their ideas and feelings, to listen to others, to resolve coNFLicts and to develop compassion. Through their interactions with others, children develop trust and confidence.

We believe that family members are the most important people in childrens lives and our program and staffs work to support those relationships. We strive to work together with families as true partners for the benefit of each child. While we bring knowledge of how children develop and learn, the family brings intimate knowledge of their child. Together we create an environment in which children are the center. We value family connections to their extended community and understand that the strength of these relationships supports children.

We believe that teachers and all center staff play a critical role in the development and implementation of an innovative child development program. We believe that a quality program is built on individual interactions between adults and children and the facilitation of collaborative explorations and projects in a richly equipped environment. We strive to create a supportive, trusting environment in which staff members are respected for their ideas, their work with children, and their own unique program contributions. We believe in the importance of providing and supporting professional growth opportunities for staff and including staff in decisions that directly affect them.