THE PHILOSOPHY & GOALS OF OUR CURRICULUM

The philosophy of the Learning Center Preschool is based on the concept that young children learn best through play.  Learning through play helps children relate positively to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.  We share and model basic Christian concepts, most specifically in the areas of exploring the wonders of Creation and in caring for ourselves, for others, and for our environment as our loving God cares for us.

The most important goal of our curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners.  This means that they will become active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their own ideas and to think their own thoughts.  Our intent is for our preschoolers to become independent, self-confident, inquisitive, self-motivated learners.  We’re teaching them how to learn, not just in preschool, but all throughout their lives.  We’re allowing them to learn at their own pace and in ways that are most appropriate for them.  We’re helping them develop good habits and attitudes which will make a difference throughout their lives.

The Learning Center Preschool curriculum identifies goals in all areas of development:

• Social - to help children feel comfortable in school, trust their new environment, make friends, and feel they are a part of the group.
• Emotional - to help children experience pride and self-confidence, develop independence and self-control, and have a positive attitude toward life.
• Cognitive - to help children become confident learners by letting them try out their own ideas and experience success, and by helping them acquire learning skills such as the ability to solve problems, ask questions, and use words to describe their ideas, observations, and feelings.
• Physical - to help children increase their large and small muscle skills and feel confident about what their bodies can do.
  (Source:  “A Parent’s Guide to Early Childhood and The Creative Curriculum” by Diane Trister Dodge and Laura J. Colker)
• Spiritual - to help children develop an awareness of a loving God by exploring the wonders of Creation; to help children begin to see themselves as one created and loved by God, that He created each of us for good and has a plan and a purpose for each of us.

Learning Center Preschool views children as individuals with their own unique strengths and preferences.  Children are allowed to construct their own knowledge by observing and interacting with their environment and the people around them.  The classroom environment serves as another teacher; it is arranged in such a way as to promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.  The structure of the classroom remains the same, yet continually evolves as it reflects the works and discoveries of the children.

The Learning Center Preschool program provides a wide range of developmentally appropriate experiences for young children.  We encourage children to engage in block play experiences, dramatic play activities, creative art opportunities, nature and outdoor activities, and group cooking activities.  Our curriculum provides for reading and language development experiences, scientific and mathematical thinking experiences, computer experiences, and opportunities for age appropriate social and emotional growth.  These combined play activities promote fine and gross motor development to strengthen emerging development and control.  It is our intention to provide the best preschool experience possible for your children.