Early Childhood Education: Vision, Mission, and Philosophy Statement

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Early childhood is a time of curiosity, a time for play, and a time of rapid development. Every child is unique and deserving of an early childhood education that facilitates academic, social, and developmental growth through a variety of enjoyable experiences. Differentiated instruction adapts content, products and processes to meet the diverse learning needs and preferences of students (Thousand, Villa, & Nevin, 2007). Friedrich Froebel, the creator of Kindergarten, believed that children grow and learn as they play (Bruno, 2009). Play-based instruction not only enables young learners to have fun, but it also encourages interactive and cooperative learning, passion for discovery, and a foundation for later learning experiences (Moore & Campos, 2010). This early childhood education program relies on differentiated instruction and play-based learning to educate and care for children in a way that is developmentally appropriate and personal. The vision of this early childhood learning program is to form successful partnerships with families and the community, promote positive child development, and to foster students’ confidence, creativity, critical thinking, multicultural awareness, and passion for learning. Our mission is to recognize the unique gifts of each student, excite students about the world around them and the power of knowledge, provide inclusive and adaptable learning experiences, facilitate growth that enables students to move through the different stages of learning, build relationships with families and the community to form mutually beneficial partnerships in education, and to further the professional development of the program’s staff. It is our goal to provide the best possible experience not on... ... middle of paper ... ...Edition). Boston, MA: Higher Education. Kostelnik, M., Soderman, A., & Whiren, A. (2011). Developmentally appropriate curriculum: Best practices in Early Childhood Education (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson. Moore, M. & Campos, D. (2010). Inspiration to Teach - Reflections on Friedrich Froebel and Why He Counts in Early Childhood Education. YC Young Children, 65(6), 74-76. Retrieved July 7, 2011, from ProQuest Education Journals. Rettig, M. (2005). Using the Multiple Intelligences to Enhance Instruction for Young Children and Young Children with Disabilities. Early Childhood Education Journal, 32(4), 255- 259. Retrieved July 7, 2011, from ProQuest Education Journals Thousand, J., Villa, R. & Nevin, A. (2007). Differentiating instruction: Collaboratively planning and teaching for universally designed learning. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

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