We do not check Facebook messages. Our Staunton location is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Children are enrolled from the ages of birth to twelve years. Mission: We believe every child is an important individual and must be treated as such. Our first priority is to help each child appreciate his/her own special qualities and to feel nurtured. Our developmental approach to
our program allows for the growth of the whole child in the areas of emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and creative skills. Our program is structured to ensure a feeling of security, yet flexible enough to provide for individual needs. Bears and Blankets encourages self help skills which we feel helps to improve self esteem through accomplishment. Our caring staff respects our students and helps children learn to show respect and practice good manners. Bears and Blankets teaches tolerance and acceptance. No child is denied enrollment based on race, ethnicity, disability, or religious beliefs. Our school also strongly believes in giving back to the community, both local and global. We often have activities based on helping others. Safety is of great importance to Bears and Blankets. Many of our policies are formulated to keep your child safe while in our capable care. The staff work together as a team of professional child care providers. Cooperation and consideration keep the working atmosphere friendly, warm, and pleasant. We know that each member of our team has special talents and ideas that help the Center succeed. Description: Looking for that creative alternative in early childhood education? Bears and Blankets offers a full day preschool learning environment, as well as, full time child care which fosters your child’s exploration and individual expression. Much of his/her day is spent choosing activities in varied learning centers. A daily routine offers nutritious meals which meet USDA guidelines. Outdoor play takes place on our large, fenced playgrounds, offering a variety of fitness opportunities. Each classroom builds on the next with opportunities to expand learning. Come meet our qualified and caring staff, there to help your child learn and enjoy fun filled days. Each of our teachers is certified in CPR and First Aid. Professional development is continued by attending classes and conferences on a yearly basis. Bears and Blankets is State Licensed and meets and exceeds requirements for children ages birth through age twelve. LAUGHTER IS ENCOURAGED! Products: Our curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate guidelines for young children to stimulate and encourage cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth according to each child’s needs. Each teacher is provided with these guidelines and a monthly theme. Lesson plans are formulated to best suit the developmental needs of the children in that classroom. Our program allows for the children themselves to create and explore new experiences through child initiated activities. Teachers are flexible and encourage the children with open ended questions and activities to allow for this whole child experience. This approach to early childhood education helps to prevent frustration and boredom, as well as to promote positive learning experiences and self esteem. Along with the theme units, children are introduced to the letters of the alphabet, colors, and literary experiences. Other areas of learning include: art, music and movement, science and math, dramatic play, sensory motor, social studies, and physical education. Often, lessons are expanded to include field trips which allow hands on experiences. This blended curriculum has incorporated aspects from Montessori, High Scope, and is based on the principles laid out in The Creative Curriculum and Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning. Each class builds on the next with opportunities to expand learning.
