What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice?

Our staff follows developmentally appropriate practices.  This statement means that teachers recognize that children develop at their own pace, with their own individual needs and unique set of abilities at any given time.  It is not the role of the teacher to direct the learning, but rather to facilitate learning by providing interesting, challenging materials and increasingly complex play opportunities.

Relationships with children are important.  Our classrooms are friendly, nurturing places where beginning friendships are supported and learning is collaborative, fun and ongoing.  All staff members recognize the importance of one-on-one conversations with children as well as supporting conversations between children. 

A curriculum developed by the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Church and the Early Learning Standards of the State of Illinois provide the basis for lesson plans and activities for the teachers.  Teachers plan not for reaching a goal, but to provide the opportunity for children to expand their learning in specific areas.  Children are provided time to participate in activities relevant to them.  Literacy and number concepts are not taught through worksheets, but through hands-on projects.  

Our classes are set up to utilize interest centers as the primary method of learning.  Children choose where to spend some of their time so they have an active choice in their interest areas.  The choice of materials available to children is important.  These materials rotate throughout the year in order to provide challenges and different activities.  Play is at the heart of the learning process.               

Learning is integrated across all areas of development.  Physical development takes place in the gym, in the classroom, on the playground, and during walks around the campus.  Language development happens during story time, during playtime, at chapel, at the writing center, during snack time and just about anytime children are talking or listening.

The time for sitting at a desk and focusing on learning comes quickly enough.  Preschool is a time for discovery, building skills and building relationships.  We help your preschooler do all of that.