Group of young children making art from pinecones

希尔堡

Center for Early Childhood Education

The Center for Early Childhood Education is located on the 希尔堡 campus of 澳门葡京博彩软件 in Northampton, 麻萨诸塞州. 中心, 通常被称为“山堡”,” offers full- and part-time early education and care for children from infancy through preschool, and is open to all children in the surrounding communities. The program provides exemplary early education and care for young children; offers a laboratory for research and fieldwork for college students and faculty; and supports the child care needs of families.

It is our vision that each child who comes through our door join a community of children, families and teachers engaged in the 快乐, 童年的工作和奇迹.

哲学

With a mission to provide exemplary early education and care for young children, we create and sustain a caring and respectful community dedicated to supporting the growth and development of each child. In such a cooperative and responsive community, differences are valued and all relationships are based on respect.

Central to our philosophy is the belief that emotional security and attachment to responsive and respectful adults provide the basis for learning. We view the learning process as a dynamic one that is enhanced by new ideas and a willingness to take intellectual risks while developing, 测试和修改理解. Guided by a deep respect for the potential of all young children, we recognize the individual development and personal strength of each child as they grow and learn within the context of their family and community.

We believe that children learn best through active exploration, 经验, 交互, 实验和建模. We see the classroom environment as another teacher; each classroom design is carefully planned and may evolve throughout the year to meet the needs of the children. The teachers maintain a structure through routine, predictability, and consistency. Teachers are guides, observers and collaborators with children in their learning and discovery. They are also partners with parents and collaborators with one another.

核心价值观

我们的价值:

我们重视动态, 引人入胜的, and aesthetically pleasing learning environment that encourages safe 交互s between members of the community and invites 交互s with materials. The space is thoughtfully designed and materials are chosen with meaning and purpose. The environment is intentional and reflects beauty, 快乐, 订单, 安慰, and appreciation for the natural world. 它是一个关系空间, where social and emotional expression is nurtured and communication is sustained.

Each member of the community is valued for his or her individuality and contribution to the group life of the school. Relationships are characterized by genuine listening, compassion, and respectful communication. We believe relationships are fundamental to teaching and to development.

We value a pace of daily living and learning that provides time for reflection and mindful awareness. This pace should allow for learning from 经验s, 互相关心, 给我们学校的社区成员, 对自然界也是如此. We strive to offer children unstructured time and space to engage in activities of their choosing at an unhurried pace. We value children’s health and respect their natural rhythms. We support their healthy development by planning for time outside, 睡眠和/或休息和良好的营养.

Within a culture of inquiry and research, teachers actively engage in in-depth and ongoing professional activities to understand children’s thinking. Teachers value listening, observation, and documentation as the basis of curriculum development. Children are offered a wide variety of materials to express their theories and understandings and are supported in pursuing extensive investigations and explorations.

We value the exchange with parents and colleagues that is stimulated when the everyday details of the lives of the children are shared. Documentation fosters teachers’ and parents’ connections to the children and the school and encourages collaboration. Documentation invites focused conversation, a deep level of exchange and a sense of community.