Program Info and Policies
Kindness:
My first job is to be kind to your child. Then, to observe, and be mindful about who he or she is. And from there, to consciously build a positive relationship with them. Relationships are at the root of learning.
Novelty:
Children learn best in a rich environment, full of engaging choices. The world is full of wonder and newness, especially when you're small. We both cultivate and honor that here.
Freedom:
Children should choose how to spend their time. Our playgroups provide unstructured playtime, and allow kids to collaborate, or to choose to spend time alone. Learning is most meaningful when it's self-directed.
Safety:
One and only rule: Be kind and gentle to people and things.
Sharing:
Children are welcome to bring their toys from home. They don't have to share these toys unless they choose to do so. The toys at my house belong to me, and I'm generous, but I do ask for kindness and respect for my belongings, while I'm always happy to share!
Messy Play:
Please send your children in clothes you don't care about. We will be fully immersed in mud, sand, paint, markers, water, clay, glitter, and whatever else we find or create! A full change of clothes every single day (or maybe multiple?) is a very good idea.
Food:
I provide a daily snack, but because young children have such differing tastes and schedules, I think it's important they are allowed to listen to their bodies and eat and drink when hungry and thirsty.
If you think your child will need more than a snack, parents are welcome to send a small bag of meals/snacks/drinks. Children will be allowed to choose and eat from their packed bags throughout the morning.
I ask that snacks be pre-cut and/or prepared so that children can snack independently to the best of their abilities. This allows them greater freedom and ability to balance their needs for food, drink, and play.
If you think your child will need more than a snack, parents are welcome to send a small bag of meals/snacks/drinks. Children will be allowed to choose and eat from their packed bags throughout the morning.
I ask that snacks be pre-cut and/or prepared so that children can snack independently to the best of their abilities. This allows them greater freedom and ability to balance their needs for food, drink, and play.
Social Media and Communication:
I may want to interview, photograph, or videotape your child while (s)he is learning. The purpose of this is to document learning as it occurs, and to share it with parents and the larger community through social media.
Ultimately, I hope to spark conversation about what learning looks like, and how parents and teachers can best facilitate it. I invite you to join the conversation, and encourage parents and children, children and peers, teachers, and others who are interested in teaching and learning to view and share photos, comment, ask questions, and make suggestions!
Learning experiences become meaningful when communities of children, families, friends, and teachers collaborate, share, explore, and reflect together.
The photographs and videos may be of groups of students, or individuals, and the students’ names may be used, with parent permission. Unless the parent chooses to be tagged on Facebook, a student’s photo and last name will not appear together.
I am always happy to accommodate any parent's privacy requests regarding social media. We can document learning without faces or names! The children speak a hundred languages, after all. 😊
Ultimately, I hope to spark conversation about what learning looks like, and how parents and teachers can best facilitate it. I invite you to join the conversation, and encourage parents and children, children and peers, teachers, and others who are interested in teaching and learning to view and share photos, comment, ask questions, and make suggestions!
Learning experiences become meaningful when communities of children, families, friends, and teachers collaborate, share, explore, and reflect together.
The photographs and videos may be of groups of students, or individuals, and the students’ names may be used, with parent permission. Unless the parent chooses to be tagged on Facebook, a student’s photo and last name will not appear together.
I am always happy to accommodate any parent's privacy requests regarding social media. We can document learning without faces or names! The children speak a hundred languages, after all. 😊