We believe in developmentally appropriate practice, which means simply that educators need to think first about the developmental needs of the child and then create an environment. The environment is prepared in such a way that as your child interacts within it, he or she is prompted toward sensory experiences, experimentation, and arrival at conceptual conclusions.
Included with the creation of environment, we also believe in the power of play. Children at play are actively involved in creating themes, exploring, and establishing environments, solving problems, and developing shared ideas. Active learning takes advantage of children’s natural desire to move and touch. We organize the classroom environment to promote active learning in which children use all their senses to make discoveries.
Our children thrive when they have opportunities every day to make choices in their learning. Children use materials and equipment in far more creative and innovative ways than we could ever plan and they use the materials in ways that meet their own developmental needs.
Young children tend to be more involved with the process than they are with the end product or result. That is why instead of a craft project we have paper, scissors, paint, markers, glue, and a variety of other materials to choose from available in our classrooms. Our art projects focus upon the process the child chooses rather than the end result.
We believe the outdoor environment is an extension of the classroom. Daily, outdoor play is a relaxing, stress-reducing, tension relieving part of the day, and a time when development and learning take place.
At Liberty Christian Church Early Education Center, our goal is to help children gain confidence, positive self-esteem, and a love for learning. Children who learn how to share, express their thoughts and feelings, and exhibit appropriate social skills have developed skills and abilities that will last a lifetime.
We believe in providing a “Home Away From Home.”
