Encouragement of individuality, creativity and self-acceptance
- We encourage our children to develop and appreciate their individuality and to learn to express themselves widely and freely in accordance with their imagination and ability. Our programs, taken together, offer many opportunities for choice and for a child to be responsible for him/herself within the limits of his/her capabilities. There are opportunities for free play, solitude and for creative expressive activities.
- Activities at the Centre stress co-operation and personal achievement rather than competition. The staff attempts to enhance each child’s self-confidence and self-esteem and to set aside time each day for individual attention.
Provision for a variety of experiences
- We attempt to introduce our children to the diversity of normal human experience by providing a full and varied program. Each day, time is set aside for the development of intellectual and problem-solving skills, for creative arts, for learning and the satisfaction of curiosity, for work - including storing toys (clean up) and participation in food preparation and service, for recreational activities and group exercises, for unstructured play and for rest and solitude.The children are taken to visit libraries, fire stations, farms, museums, stores, banks and other institutions. They may enjoy a parade or a circus, or they may listen to an invited guest, such as a police officer, explain things of interest and importance. Such experiences are an invaluable part of our programs.
Encouragement of tolerance
- We encourage our children to appreciate and respect the diverse nature of humanity. We care for children of all races and colours, of all religions, of diverse nationalities; we care for children of diverse social and economic backgrounds and, in consultation with professionals and our staff, children with special needs. For these reasons, and because we believe tolerance and open-mindedness to be desirable, we discourage racial, sexual, national, physical or other harmful stereotyping. We encourage children to combine individual expression with an awareness of, and respect for, the needs and concerns of others.
Self-discipline, respect for the needs and concerns of others
- We attempt to resolve disagreements and encourage compliance with necessary rules by means of clarifying the situation, persuasion, distraction, separating or temporary loss of minor privileges. We encourage the children to become responsible for their own actions by using a system of logical consequences for the unacceptable behaviour. When needed, we seek professional advice with the consent of the parent.
Maximization of parental involvement
- Only if parents become and remain informed about the activities of the Centre (and establish a meaningful link between a child’s experiences at home and at the Centre) can we enhance the personal development of our children. Thus, we must understand and co-operate with the Centre, its rules and its staff. We should regularly discuss our children and their activities with the caregivers.
Maintenance of health and safety
- We endeavour to maintain facilities in which our children are secure from diseases and hazards. When children contract a serious and contagious or infectious disease, for their health and the health of the remainder of our children, they must be sent home. Where direct and immediate medical attention is required, we attempt to provide it in accordance with parental instructions. At the Centre, we provide varied and nutritious meals and snacks for the children. We schedule activities to enhance the children’s physical, sensory and motor (fine and large muscle) development.