Grace Childcare Center maintains a strong focus on social development. The children learn to respect the rights of others, to take turns, to follow and to lead, and to try out adult roles through dramatic play. Our staff is composed of warm, caring teachers who provide the students with an opportunity to relate to adults in a supportive environment. In addition, the center cultivates cultural grow
th by encouraging the children to recognize the worth of each individual and the equal value of all racial and ethnic groups. Emotional growth is fostered by providing an atmosphere which supports creativity, self-direction and real-life problem solving. Every child is given the opportunity to learn to value himself or herself as both an individual and as a member of his or her peer group. Grace Childcare Center has ample equipment and space to advance physical development. Gross motor skills are developed through running, jumping, climbing and rhythmic body movement. Outdoor play is an important part of our daily program and exercise and fresh air are a priority of our staff. The children have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of age-appropriate activities. The classroom is divided into hands-on learning centers that encourage experimentation, exploration and discovery in a secure, safe environment. Language skills are supported through conversation, text and pictures, games, music and art. Participation in storytelling and reading activities will develop essential pre-reading skills and set the children on the path to literacy. Math and science skills are advanced through the use of sensory tables, blocks and other manipulatives, and cooking. As the children come to understand basic math and science concepts, they will develop new interests and skills that will help them as they move on to kindergarten and beyond. Integral to the Grace Childcare Center philosophy is the belief that parents are the primary educators of their children. It is our function as educators to support and facilitate the parent/child relationship because parents are the "expert" when it comes to knowing their own child. Grace Childcare Center functions best when we understand a parent's perceptions, feelings and observations about their own children. The staff of Grace Childcare Center strives to form a partnership with parents to best meet the needs of the children and families. We encourage you to share in the day-to-day activities of the center, such as meals, field trips, class visits and family events. Share your ideas, traditions and recipes in any way that you would enjoy. Families are an important piece of our community and are welcomed into the center and classroom at any time.
