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Apple-A-Day Nursery School Philosophy

Our program is based on two main concepts: child-centeredness and problem solving. Our motto is “Helping Children Grow”. Our teachers are warm, nurturing, knowledgeable of child development, trained, and committed to the education of young children. Here are some brief descriptions of the two main concepts.

1. Child-Centered means our program is here to meet the real needs of children, allow them the freedom to be children, and put their physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being first. We believe children learn best through play and social interactions. Our main goals are to nurture kids and help them learn to get along with their peers.

2. Problem Solving is how we teach children to form positive relationships, resolve conflicts, learn self-discipline, and show respect for others. We see inappropriate or destructive behavior as a problem to be solved, primarily by the children involved and with the help of a teacher-facilitator. Here are the major terms used in the problem solving approach:

• Active Listening interprets and reflects a child’s feelings. It lets children express and think through their problems and find their own solutions.

• Negotiation teaches children to talk to each other about their problems, look for solutions, and resolve conflicts nonviolently.
   

• Setting Limits teaches children to stay within safe boundaries and learn self-control. Limits are based on safety, responsibility, and respect. We set limits with I-messages, consequences, choices, information, and contingencies. Our last resort is “removing and sitting apart”.
   

• The Learning Environment is built around the child’s need for nurturing relationships, safety, comfort, physical activity, emotional expression, social interaction, and intellectual stimulation. Whenever possible, we modify our environment and adapt it to meet children’s individual needs, instead of trying to adapt children to the environment.
   

• Affirmations are the ways we make children feel important. Affirmations include positive I-messages, reinforcement, noticing, strokes, and narrating.
   

We are always happy to discuss our philosophy with you as well as the individual needs of your child. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. I can be reached at (732) 928-1777 or E-Mail. Dodie Ewing, Director

Goals

SOCIAL: To help children feel comfortable in school, trust their new environment, make friends, and feel they are part of the group.

EMOTIONAL: To help children experience pride and self-confidence, develop independence and self-control, and have a positive attitude towards life.

COGNITIVE: To help children become confident learners by letting them try out their own ideas and experience success, and by helping them acquire learning skills such as the ability to solve problems, ask questions, and use words to describe their ideas, observations, and feelings.

PHYSICAL: To help children increase their large and small muscle skills and feel confident about what their bodies can do.

Our goal at Apple-A-Day Nursery School is to help children “grow” emotionally, socially, and intellectually in a warm, creative, safe environment. We provide the opportunity for each child to grow at his or her own rate, experience success, and build their confidence and self-esteem.

Our curriculum is a well-rounded developmental approach to learning with hands-on experiences, active involvement, and child-directed as well as teacher-directed activities to meet the needs of the whole child.

Our students have ample time to work and play individually or in small groups. Each child will have fun, meet success, and gain a “love of learning” in a positive setting.

The long-term goal is to help children become enthusiastic learners. Children learn best when they are encouraged to be active and creative explorers who can test ideas and think independent thoughts. Allowing children to learn at their own pace helps them to be self-confident, inquisitive learners. We strive to teach children “how” to learn in preschool and throughout their lives.

Open Door Policy

It’s OPEN HOUSE everyday at our school. Parents do not need an appointment to visit our school. You are welcome any time our school is in session. It is best to plan your visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon to observe classes and to avoid drop-off and pick-up times. There are no classes in session during the summer. If you would like to tour our school or meet with the director during the summer please call the office to schedule a visit. PHONE (732) 928-1777

Staff

Our degreed teachers are qualified professionals and have experience working with young children. Each class has a teacher and assistant. On-going training programs are provided for every staff member each year. All staff members have been trained in Basic First Aid and CPR.

 

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