Play Based Philosophy – Play is an important vehicle for children’s social, emotional and cognitive development, as well as a reflection on their development. Play allows children to develop in each area and to integrate learning across domains, the kind of play children engage in is determined by their stage of development. Multi-age groups promote learning. Children learn most effectively when they are presented skills, concepts and behaviors slightly beyond their current abilities. A basic level of safety, security, trust and sense of belonging is needed for children to learn (Wardle). My philosophy is to meet the needs of the whole child, increase children’s self-esteem, provide meaningful learning, meet their social, emotional and nutritional needs and to prepare children with life skills for school and beyond.

I support the rights and responsibilities of parents and the development and wellbeing of families. The family is our foundation and our starting point for developing services and program content. Together with the family, the child is our focus. I believe that only through partnership with the family can the goals for our children be realized. A strong, trusting relationship between the family and our program is the foundation for achieving common goals in the best interest of our children. Together Extended Family Preschool and parents create the best program for our children and families.