We Keep Kids Safe & Healthy!

 We hire qualified staff who meet high standards and continue to develop as professionals.

 Staff are required to complete additional training each year.  Staff must pass a background check as a condition of their employment.

 Staff receive training on how to identify child abuse, how to report child abuse, and are informed that they are legally mandated to report suspected abuse. This means that all staff are legally responsible reporters of suspected abuse or neglect. Reporting even suspected abuse or neglect is mandatory. Failure to report is punishable by law.

 At least one person per classroom has CPR and First Aid certification.

 Staff follow program policies and procedures such as the Transportation Policy, Immunization Policy and Sick Child Policy.

Children learn by doing:

The power of play

Years of research on young children, learning and development document the many benefits of play. Children play in many ways. They play independently, sometimes near each other but with each child engrossed in his own activity. They engage in what is called “parallel play,” perhaps using each other’s toys or even talking, but not coordinating their play. They also play cooperatively, organizing roles and scenarios for group play. As they get older, children are capable of more cooperative, coordinated play. But all kinds of play are valuable. As kids play with each other, they learn to see other children’s points of view and begin to become more empathetic and caring. They come to understand customs and rules in their own culture and to appreciate those of others. They learn to use language in new ways to describe their play and to interact with others. And in play, children develop their muscles and coordination. Play is fun. But it also is serious business that pays big dividends to its eager, young investors. Play is one way children develop and learn in the five developmental areas for school readiness. Here are a few simple examples of how children learn through play in order to accomplish school readiness goals.

Physical Development & Health When children draw, paint, and play with playdoh; they build small muscles in their hands. When children play outdoors, they are developing muscles for movement and balance.

Social & Emotional Development When children play “house” or puppets, they are practicing social skills and exploring their feelings.

Approaches to Learning When children participate in classroom routines and experiences, they are demonstrating flexibility, curiosity, motivation and engagement in learning.

Language & Literacy When children participate in story time, they are engaging in conversations, expressing their ideas, and becoming aware of the meaning of print in the book.

Cognitive & General Knowledge When children go on a nature walk, collect leaves and bring them back to the classroom; they are exploring their environments and using skills for observation, comparing, and counting.