If you are partnering with others to develop your child care philosophy, this will give you an opportunity to better articulate your individual experiences and to learn about the perspective of others. Considering the role that you believe play, art, dramatic and academic activities should have in a child’s life will help you think about your beliefs. An example of a statement regarding a program’s beliefs regarding child care might be: “We are committed to providing safe, affordable, high-quality service for children living in the South Lake community that is based in hands-on experiential learning. "
Involving community partners in developing your child care philosophy may require language translators for non-English speakers. Children, families, and other child care professionals may all have a stake in the development of your child care philosophy.
In a play-based program, the teacher’s role is typically less dominant, while academic programs tend to be more teacher-led. Consider what you might want and expect for a child in your program. If you have certain academic goals that you will expect a child to meet, this will affect the role your teacher will be expected to play. An example of a child care statement regarding the role of a teacher might be: “We believe our teachers are responsible for the well-being, safety, and learning of every child. Teachers provide information not only through mentorship and role modeling, but through lectures, small group activities and hands-on learning activities. “[7] X Research source
Remember that every child has a unique learning style, and all learners will need to be accommodated. Include a variety of structured learning activities and open-ended ideas, thinking about what you believe is the ideal ratio of both types in the classroom. An example of a statement reflecting expectations for a child in a child care program might be: “We believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn from peers of all abilities, and to serve as teachers for their peers. "
Include a statement regarding the value that diversity brings to your program. Be clear regarding what specific strategies and supports you plan to employ to help nurture children in your program who have special needs. An example of a statement reflecting child care philosophy of diversity might be: “We believe that every child has an equal value to our program, and actively work to support full inclusion of children with diverse abilities and disabilities, as well as those from all socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. “[11] X Research source
Remember that your child care environment should include activities outside as well as inside. Sensory play materials include sand play, water tables, bubbles, vibrating toys, colorful lights, and play dough. Anything that engages the child’s sensory interests can be included in sensory play materials. Dramatic play includes materials for role playing, costumes, puppets, and more. Include a statement regarding your belief about a positive setting for child care. For example, “We support and encourage the development of creative and social skills through opportunities for sensory play through a wide variety of materials. “[12] X Research source
If you’re uncomfortable in unstructured settings, you’re unlikely to be satisfied in an environment that prioritizes spontaneity. The curriculum priorities that you incorporate into your own philosophy of child care shouldn’t conflict with your own priorities. Exploring a range of different child care philosophies may help you better understand the range of priorities that your own philosophy of child care may include. An example of a statement reflecting curriculum priorities might be: “We believe that children should be treated with respect and dignity, to feel safe and secure, to have opportunities for learning through play, decision-making, and social interaction with their peers. “[15] X Research source
Developmental child care is interactive, and has an informal sense. Learning through play is considered the central focus of the curriculum in a developmental child care program. The role of the teacher is to provide security, stimulation, support, limits, and affection.
Progressive preschools are sometimes termed “Bank Street Approach” due to their initial development at the Bank Street College of Education. The teacher’s role is to facilitate the child’s interests and intellectual curiosity.
Montessori methods use “manipulatives” or small sensory items that the children use to complete a task. Colored blocks, for example, might be manipulatives matched to pictures of colored blocks in an activity. Montessori classrooms typically contain a range of ages, because each child is encouraged to learn at her own pace. Some parents choose Montessori methods because they feel it encourages their children to develop leadership skills.
For example, if a child expresses interest in why a plant grows, a Reggio-Emilio response might be, “Let’s learn more about that!” From this child-led curiosity, a collaborative interactive project including study of soil, plants, water, and sunlight might result. Reggio-Emilio is named after the area of Italy in which this pedagogical approach first developed. One of the goals of Reggio-Emilio is to use collaborative learning to help a child become a better citizen.
The programs are well-known for their refusal to incorporate any media, such as reading, computers, videos or electronics into their curriculum. There are no grades in a Waldorf program. There are no hand-outs, homework, or tests. The Waldorf approach emphasized the holistic nature of the child: body, spirit, and soul.
Cooperative learning tends to prioritize values of cooperation and resolving conflicts. One of the ways in which cooperative learning emphasizes education is that your child sees your participation in the classroom. This allows the child to know that education is a priority for you, and encourages the message that learning is important.
