“Our philosophy is to enhance the learning of all children and families. We strive to uphold the values of eliminating racism and empowering parents to help their children grow and learn physically, socially, emotionally andintellectually at each child’s own individual pace. Our program provides opportunities to make choices and developindependence and positive self-esteem. We encourage each child to be creative and solve problems with guidanceas needed.
We know that children learn spontaneously and actively through play; therefore play is planned to allow learningto happen individually or together in small groups.”
-YWCA Child Center-Parent Handbook
1) Expect more. Most people have a way of living up (or down) to expectations- preschoolers included. Children in preschool programs are expected to pour their own juice or milk from a pitcher. Throw away napkins and garbage and hang up their coats- and they do! But those same kiddos will walk out the door after maneuvering all that the play equipment had to offer hop in a stroller and the thumb goes in their mouth.If we raise the bar a bit our children will probably stretch to meet it.
