THE EARLY LEARNER PRIVATE PRESCHOOL

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

The Early Learner Private Preschool is child centered with a teacher facilitated approach to learning. We incorporate various facets of the different teaching philosophies as there is no one size fits all approach. For this reason we select the various methods that work for the children in our care that help to bring out their potential. Child interests are always fed as learning opportunities occur. In addition, new ideas are always introduced as we progress through thematic units. There is a balance of student directed and teacher directed activities as well as activities that are unique to your child’s learning style. Careful planning is made so that we include activities for visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners. Our schedule is routine oriented so that children know exactly what to expect and can anticipate what’s to come. Children are in a safe and predictable environment that provides emotional security. This allows them to transition between activities more easily and with confidence. Mixed age classroom encourages leadership skills, mentoring and respect for others varied abilities. As younger students rise in age, their role in the classroom changes as they become the “older” group and comfortably display leadership qualities. New topics are always introduced and learning opportunities are always explored. Children's inquiries lead to project based activities where children can now question and see results based on what they have experienced; meanwhile applying and reinforcing the academic vocabulary presented by the teacher. Enhanced learning allows children to assess and reflect on their own progress in intervals. With teacher facilitation by guided questioning, students are able to reason and question their actions and learning, thus building metacognition. Having a positive preschool experience that is fun, engaging, with hands on experiences that are purposeful will help to develop skills in key competency areas such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, resourcefulness and creativity. A quality preschool program lays the foundation for future academic, physical and social and emotional success. Therefore, it is my opinion that no one education philosophy will apply to every child. It is important to recognize the needs and individual learning styles of each child and have the freedom to attend to and guide their preschool experience. At the Early Learner, your child will be inspired through play, exploration and discovery!

Misbehavior is a normal part of a child's development. For this reason, positive guidance and redirection is the method I will be using. This form of behavior shaping guides children to the desired behavior rather than guiding their behavior by fear of punishment. Positive behavior shaping helps to build a child’s self-esteem by praising them on all the things they are doing right rather than being punitive and focusing on what they are doing wrong. Children will be reminded of what they can or should be doing instead of focusing on what not to do. Children will also be given the opportunity to self-correct without immediate redirection. By providing a model, the child is aware of the expectation, a child is able to see and hear how the situation can better be handled and will try it with behavior coaching. Children’s feelings are always acknowledged. Consideration for their age and personality always play a part in the type of redirection they receive. Thoughtful redirection often steers non-cognitive skills (motivation, perseverance, self-control) in a positive direction and encourages overall success.