Program Philosophy
The Center’s commitment is to the educability of all children.  Each child’s prior and out of school experiences are valued and the Center sees its role as one of identifying and building on those strengths.  The school, therefore, is not a denial of the child’s family and community; it is an extension of it.

The scope of early childhood educational experiences is not limited to the child’s preparation for public school.  Rather, it is a program for the total development of the child based on her/his needs.  The Center holds the view that the development of language, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills are integral to the total growth potential of children and are not isolated ends in themselves.  We understand education to be a process of nourishment that takes time for children to learn the skills needed throughout life.  No amount of ‘drilling, conditioning, training’ will enable children to grasp materials presented to them until they, themselves, reach the point where their entire beings respond positively to the stimuli.

Through exploration and manipulation of materials such as clay, water, paints, blocks, paper, sand, children develop their sense of mastery and control over their environment.  Children cannot be passive observers and listeners in the education process.  Their active participation is necessary for growth.  We must be supportive of what children are doing and provide direction without intrusion, so that they trust their own immediate experiences and open to themselves and the world.

The Child Development Center seeks to create a non-sexist, anti-racist atmosphere in which children work up to their potential.  It is a place where they develop independence, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, initiative, and evolve a positive self-image.  Through this basic foundation and approach to learning, the child is able to meet any educational challenge.