Seedlings is a parent co-operative program for children ages 3-6 which focuses on the development of the whole child. Using the latest Early Childhood research, our program is designed to promote the social, emotional and intellectual development of each child. Seedlings is very family-friendly -- we strive to give both parents and children the support and nurturing they need to grow. We use the Guidance techniques of Dan Gartrell and draw inspiration from the leading Early Childhood Educator and author, Bev Bos. Particular attention is given to respecting the individual, nurturing problem-solving skills, and creating a sense of cooperation and belonging. Children ages 3 to 6 may attend 3 or 4 mornings a week during the school year. Four one week summer sessions are offered in the month of July.
We view children not as clay to be molded or shaped by adult knowledge; but as seedlings in need of nurturing, space and time, and a rich environment in order to grow in the unique way intended for each one. We value the experience of pure joy and wonder in the lives of children. We respect the individual thoughts, emotions and words of each child. We believe that this enables them to develop trust in their own feelings and a high level of self-awareness. We have faith that in addition to helping them live satisfying lives, this self-awareness can help keep them safe in the world, by encouraging each one to pay attention to his or her own inner voice.
In the Seedlings program we value play as central to learning. Free open-ended play in an environment of natural substances, tools, and simple toys provides the experience that young children require for development. We feel that too often in our present culture, as teachers are under pressure to impart facts and information to younger and younger children, the unhurried process of discovery, and the delight therein, is lost.
The curriculum varies to meet the needs and interests of each group of children. Individual attention is paid to each child and we work closely with parents in designing our program to nurture each child's development. Activities offered throughout the year include: process-oriented art experiences; building experience with a variety of materials; storytelling by both teachers and children; adults taking dictation of children’s stories; exploration of the outdoor world; sand and water play; participatory music and dancing; cooking; cooperative game-playing; woodworking; gardening; outdoor games; pretend play; and science activities.
We encourage children to express their feelings, desires, and opinions, and we accept and affirm that what they say is true for them. We encourage the articulation and release of the full range of children’s emotions, both “negative” and “positive.” We view conflicts between children as opportunities for social and emotional growth. Our aim is to teach the foundations of nonviolent conflict resolution.
When conflicts arise, the teachers in our programs are trained to stop any hurtful words or behavior, and then to validate the underlying feelings of the child or children involved. The adult acts as a facilitator in the problem solving process. Adults do not impose solutions upon children. We give children the opportunity to express their own feelings, the chance to hear firsthand how their actions affect others, and the chance to think up creative solutions. We have seen that as children grow this approach encourages the development of empathy, and the foundations of ethical decision making.
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