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Our Educational Philosophy
Oyster babies Early Childhood Center is dedicated to providing safe, nurturing,
quality childcare in an environment that fosters physical, emotional and
intellectual growth. While we are a full-time child care center, be assured that
each class has a planned curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for the
age of its students.
The Oyster babies approach to educating young children is based on the
Developmental-Interaction Approach contrived by the Bank Street College of
Education, a renowned graduate school for early childhood educators, founded by
Lucy Sprague Mitchell.
The basic premise of this philosophy is divided into two parts:
To recognize that children do go through specific stages of development, as
based upon Erickson and Piaget; and,
To understand that the interactions, or experiences we have as individuals,
effect and shape each stage of our development.
Therefore, the Oyster babies curriculum is designed around the individual
students, as well as the whole class. The children's personalities, interests
and experiences are all collaborated when lessons are being planned.
Young Children Learn Best through Play... "Is this really true?" Although it may
be difficult for parents to break away from the "drill and practice" teaching
methods of the past, young children learn more when allowed to move at their own
pace in a relaxed environment. Children playing blocks in the "block area" of
the classroom are actually developing numerous skills, such as, language
development, social skills, problem solving, mathematics (numbers, colors,
shapes), etc.
It's the Process, Not the Product... This is the main principle of our approach
to art and all forms of expression. Being creative is a way of expressing ones
self feelings, ideas and emotions; therefore, it has to come from the individual
and not the teacher's directive. At Oyster babies we focus on the experience of
working with materials, not the finished product.
"Do You Teach Reading and Writing?"... Absolutely! Oyster babies strives to
create a language-rich environment in each of our classrooms. We do not instruct
the whole class to trace letters, as this is inappropriate for preschoolers;
however, the children are exposed to reading and writing all day, every day.
Through story-telling, dictation, experience charts, writing in journals, songs,
circle time and many other activities, we foster a love for reading and writing.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call: 516-922-1049, or click
here to
Contact Us.
Compare our impeccable record, go to
www.ocfs.state.ny.us
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