We nurture each child by respecting individuality with heartfelt compassion and by creating a positive early childhood experience. We treat each family with dignity, empathy and confidentiality.
We believe that children learn primarily through play and we use play experiences to foster children’s development in all areas: physical development, cognitive development, social/emotional development, and language development. Content learning in the areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, technology, and process skills, are integrated into children’s play experiences.
We believe that the primary role of the teacher is to build relationships with children, to provide an appropriate learning environment, and to provide opportunities for many firsthand experiences which invite children to investigate, represent and care. We believe that when families are an integral part of a school program, children’s self-esteem and achievement are enhanced.
We provide a rich, well-planned and varied curriculum, using The Creative Curriculum® as the framework for our program. The Creative Curriculum®, based on years of research in the field of early care and education, provides guidance for setting up the learning environment, the teacher’s role, the family’s role, and of course, children’s learning and development.
We monitor children’s development and meet with families regularly to discuss their child’s progress. Because we recognize that each child develops and learns at his/her own pace, and we assess each child’s development individually.
STAFF
The Center’s greatest asset is our experienced and dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the Center since we opened in 1990. All of our teachers hold either a Child Development Credential or a post-secondary degree. All staff also complete in-service training annually on topics pertaining to early childhood care and education. We believe our longevity, experience and ability to work well together enhance the quality of our program.
"The people at Pen Bay are not just concerned with children, they are concerned with every child. The staff is experienced, compassionate, nurturing, and patient. They consistently go the extra mile to ensure that every child has an opportunity to learn and grow, all while feeling an important part of the group. The staff also provides families with support and information vital to the success of the child’s growth. I got the feeling that they were part of a "parenting" team with my wife and I."
~Jim Leonard
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Families are always welcome to visit or volunteer in their child’s classroom. Good communication between teachers and families is essential to the care we provide your children. It is our intention to build positive, effective relationships with all our families, beginning during enrollment and continuing to grow during your child’s time with us.
Updated: 2/17/10