KidsFirst Philosophy

PHILOSOPHY

This is a half-day preschool program offering a traditional curriculum. The philosophy of the program is that a child learns best in an environment in which he/she can succeed. The role of the staff is to provide an appropriate learning environment for each child. Although there is no specific Christian curriculum used, we do incorporate Christian beliefs/teachings throughout the year.

Children will be provided with activities that are both quiet and active, teacher directed and child initiated. Activities to be used will require the use of varied equipment and materials.

GOALS

The goals and objectives of the program will promote for the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of the children. Experiences, interactions, and materials that enhance each child’s individual level of functioning will be in the areas of:

• Fine motor— assembling puzzles and small toys, pouring, using scissors, manipulating art materials.
• Large motor— running, jumping, climbing, hopping, throwing, catching, lifting and moving, pushing and pulling, skipping.
• Language— expressing self verbally, listening, developing clear speech, recognize written language (letters, numbers, names), develop appreciation of stories and books, use wide range of sounds and vocalizations. Simple sign language and simple Spanish will also be incorporated.
• Cognitive— matching, classification, grouping, sequencing, cause and effect, problem solving, following directions, memory skills, perceptual skills, simple concepts, math and science concepts.
• Social— ability to play with others, awareness of the group and participate appropriately in group situations, mutual respect with adults, follow directions and guidance of adults, sharing, taking care of things, waiting, cooperating, understanding empathy and feelings of others, non-stereotyping thought and behavior, social graces and manners.
• Emotional— sense of identity and feelings of worth as an individual, self-confidence through development of skills and competence, recognize own feelings and express them in appropriate ways, gain responsibility, autonomy, and self-management appropriate for age, sense of motivation and achievement, take initiative and persist with tasks.
• Creativity— expresses feelings, ideas, and personality through use of art, music, dramatic play, books, flannel stories, block play, sensory material (play dough, water, sand, etc).