Family Handbook 2018-2019

7 The Mailman Segal Center’s Early Learning Programs Program Philosophy We encourage children to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually in a setting that fosters individuality, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning. We provide each child with choices, challenges, and opportunities that nurture feelings of competence and promote growth in all areas of development. By respecting individual differences, we recognize that children develop at their own pace and with their own learning style. Curriculum MSC’s Family Center Preschool and Infant & Toddler Program utilize our trademarked “7C Curriculum Framework””. The curriculum reflects the teachings of Montessori, Piaget, and Vygotsky. The 7C Curriculum provides a framework for planning activities and setting-up environments to increase children’s competency in seven interrelated domains: critical thinking, creative expression, cooperation, concept development, communication, confidence, and community. Literacy, creative art, dramatic play, block play, science and discovery, math, problem solving, music, movement, and technology are an integral part of every child’s early experience. MSC uses a constructivist approach to implementing the 7C Curriculum Framework. In the constructivist classroom, children have opportunities to explore and create using a variety of open-ended but purposefully and intentionally introduced materials. The role of the teacher is to create an environment for learning. Teaching staff encourage children to think deeply and test theories as they coach, mediate, prompt and support children’s emerging understanding of the world around them. They invite children to wonder about their world, ask questions, and reflect. Collaborative group work is valued for cognitive development and provides opportunities for children to learn from each other as they negotiate their world. The classroom environment is carefully crafted to support children’s communication, relationships, and autonomy. Staff We believe that to provide a quality program, we must hire exceptional teachers. All of our teachers hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field from an accredited university. Our teacher aides have or are working on completing the National Child Development Associate certificate and many are pursuing degree programs. Our entire staff participates in ongoing professional development classes, workshops, and activities. Teachers are supported by the MSC’s multi-disciplinary professional team, including: behavioral analysts, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. Our experienced educators participate actively in the local and national early childhood communities by serving in leadership capacities, giving regular presentations, providing consulting to other programs, and partnering with high-quality programs to develop new avenues for early childhood professional development. MSC employees are hired and managed according to the Human Resource policies of Nova Southeastern University.