Philosophy Statement on Caring for Preschool Children

I believe children learn what they live. Learning should be child-directed, not adult
directed, which allows the children to discover new information and use the knowledge
gained to apply it to other aspects of their learning process. Preschool should be a
place where children can learn from each other while growing up learning together,
based around centering the environment and curriculum on the children’s needs. I strive
to nurture preschool children’s own independence by providing a rich learning
environment which puts focus on each child individually also while focusing on the
group. It is important to encourage and involve the preschool students in their own
learning through cooperative learning as well as independent learning opportunities that
are fun, meaningful and exciting. My goal is to teach the preschool students the overall
importance of learning and to instill the urge to want to continue to learn more and
more.

I believe in the act of free play throughout the preschool. I believe children learn through
play; enabling children to learn freely in fun and interesting ways. In providing care for
preschool children 3 to 6 years of age, it encourages children to interact with one
another, nurture and learn from and with each other. Children are motivated to learn
and learn best when they feel safe and secure, have a sense of belonging and have
opportunities to make choices. I strive to create a sense of “family”, offer opportunities
to learn self help skills and empathy. Children truly do learn from playing with others.

I will be responsible to provide a safe, healthy, prepared environment that is enriching

and full of learning materials, structured activities and stimulating experiences. The
preschool is typically organized so that materials and workstations are orderly and
easily accessible to children. I strive to allow children to be free to move about their
environment, free to choose learning activities, and free to work alone or in
groups. Children learn best by having freedom within limits and known boundaries.

I believe in partnering with families, it is important to me as a preschool teacher and as

a Mother. We need to work together to raise these awesome children for our future and
theirs. I like the quotes, “No one can do everything but EVERYONE can do something”
and "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child," it puts my thoughts on educating and caring
for young children in to perspective. I believe that I need to be a role model, educator,
and advocate to high quality care for preschool children. There is much more that I can
do outside my preschool to make a difference and impact the future for children.
Through love and support, to providing kids with choices and helping to guide them
along their way, I am honored to be part of their lives and to have them in my preschool
program.