Philosophy

My philosophy concerning early childhood education has developed gradually, affected by knowledge and tempered by experience. I hope that my philosophy is reflected in the quality parents find in the program.  My concern is with the whole child-the social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical child.

I believe that children are born with a need to belong-first to a family, then to a school, a community and the world. Belonging is sharing emotions, being accepted, and comforted. It includes being part of a cultural tradition and accepting the cultural traditions of others. Belonging is sharing a part of ourselves and our families, our homes and our cultural. We wish to created such an environment for children at La La's Kindergarten Preparatory Preschool and Family Home Child Care, making them a part of the world they live in, and giving them a sense of belonging.

Welcome to Your Child's First Classroom

Now more than ever, researchers are confirming what we at La La's Kindergarten Preparatory Preschool and Family Home Child Care have known for years--children do their most important learning before the age of five.  That's why, in addition to lots of love and attention, everything we do at La La's involves early childhood development.

We begin with an age-appropriate environment that encourages children to learn, play, and explore.  Books and blocks.  Puppets and paper.  Toys and tambourines.  You name it.  There are manipulatives for counting, seeds for planting, and places for exploring.  If you're a young child, you'll find an endless assortment of activities that engage your interest and stimulate your mind.  La La's--where your child will learn, play, and explore.    

It is our belief that a child needs a more nurturing, individualized, and family like environment than a large day care center can provide.  However, all children learn differently and there is a need for both.  We have always believed that children can grow to be kind, loving, and caring adults when raised in a warm loving, clean, safe home environment.  We feel that being in a family day home is the next best thing when compared to, “staying at home with Mommy or Daddy.”  We do our very best to insure the best possible alternative to a daycare center.  We also believe that children learn through playing.  In a happy home atmosphere a child can really blossom!  Character, personality, and values are developing at the crucial first five years and preschool age, and we try to provide a positive environment and educational experience that will prepare your child for kindergarten.  As a registered family child care home, it is important to have a set of rules and regulations governing our operation in an attempt to help things run smoothly for the good of all concerned.  

We believe that children need to be sheltered from the stresses of our adult lives as much as possible. Children need creative environments where fun, laughter and playfulness as well as learning occupy their waking hours. Children should not be rushed through childhood but allowed to develop at their own pace. We believe that children should have routines but also opportunities for them to make their own choices to encourage independence and self-control In dealing with conflicts, We believe that communication is the key to solving problems. Teaching a child the skills to negotiate, to acknowledge mistakes and come up with solutions will help them throughout life 

La La's Hands-on Experiences

Most importantly, at the heart of every project and activity, there's a specially trained teacher (La La) and an age appropriate curriculum  to lead the way.  Because children learn differently than adults, they need hands-on experiences and a get-on-the-floor teacher.  They need warmth and attention.  They need enthusiasm and encouragement.  Most of all, they need the joy and challenge of doing it themselves, because that's what helps children learn and grow, and that is our mission at La Las.

I believe strongly that children learn through play and hands-on experience. I believe that children should be allowed to "get messy" in their play. I believe that children, when provided with a variety of age-appropriate choices, will learn through discovery, inventing and experimenting within an enriched environment. Through play there is no need to produce a specific product, no right or wrong answers but through experience, learning and enriching their lives. A child's ability to pretend in play is a way of enlarging his or her view of the world. It is a step toward literacy, and play often reflects the creative inner self.

A Leaning Environment for the Whole Child

La La's exclusive educational programs provide unlimited opportunities for the development of the whole child.  There's a unique curriculum for every age level, centered around developmentally appropriate and fun activities that help children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, spiritually and socially.

In my classroom/playroom and in the outside play area  age-appropriate concepts are integrated into all aspects of play.  Sometimes it's through a game.  Another time it's through a song.  Other times it's through exploration in our Discovery areas.  By providing children with activities that match their developmental needs and abilities, learning occurs easily and naturally.  Because children learn differently, I believe in a variety of learning approaches that include play-based with some structure, traditional teacher-led and Montessori.  Please visit my Approach to Learning link to learn more about our Montessori approach to learning.  

La La's Kindergarten Preparatory Preschool quality education programs comprise:

We have programs for every age level including infants, toddlers, two year olds, preschoolers, and prekindergarten. If you look closely, you'll find that every activity, every book, every procedure--even every toy -- is designed to support the development and well-being of your child.

Balance

To be happy while growing, your child needs a balance of learning and play.  Self-discovery and guidance.  Spirit ed fun and quiet focus.  It’s a delicate balance.  And it’s what we achieve every day at La La’s Kindergarten Preparatory Preschool.  We believe the greatest wish we can have for your child(ren) is that they become adults who love who they are and what they do.  Such self-knowledge, such passion for life, is one of the keys to happiness.  It’s all about unlocking a child’s full potential, and it’s our goal everyday at La La’s Kindergarten Preparatory Preschool and Family Home Child Care.

Balance.  We all seek it.  And we’re only truly happy when we find it.  For our students, we ensure a safe environment where learning, play and child care are in harmony.  For Parents, we are  trusted partners in nurturing self-discovery and love of learning.  And for that investment in trust, we deliver peace of mind.

At La La’s Kindergarten Preparatory Preschool  balance is at the heart of everything we do.  La La's child-initiated, teacher-direct ed approach lets the particular interests of each child serve as a springboard to healthy emotional and intellectual development.  We call it Balanced Learning, through the nurturing curriculum La La teaches.  It focuses as much on age-appropriate lessons as it does on play.  As much on the students’ character development as on their educational growth.  The child-initiated component inspires children to think for themselves and explore their own abilities, while La La guides them toward a love of learning and prepares them for lifelong success.  That’s quality of life. 

 

Our Commitment to Quality

We (my husband George, and I) understand the level of trust you place in us when you enroll your child in our registered child care home, and we are committed to providing the very best care and education possible.  The high quality of La La's service is the result of many years of experience and a strong commitment to meeting the needs of children and their families.

La La's is committed to excellence.  For over 30 years, La La has been working with children, and has been testing and enhancing curriculum.  Every day, we're learning more productive ways to teach all kinds of kids--messy kids, playful kids, curious kids.  So you can be sure we have the energy and know-how to take care of yours.

Parents are welcome to visit their children anytime during the day. I encourage parent involvement and participation, and I enjoy getting to know all of the parents and want them to feel like they are a part of our family.  I do have a very structured program so if you care to visit please let me know because with children we can sometimes get off schedule, or it is possible we may be out strolling on a nice day. 

Our main concern and goal in caring for your child is to see your child grow physically, cognitively, socially, spiritually and emotionally to the best of his/her ability in a safe and happy environment with lots of love.  Please feel free to offer your advice and/or suggestions at any time.   

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