Research shows that children learn by doing (play), and they need many opportunities to explore and grow.  The Kids’ Spot chooses activities that align with best practices to foster creativity, as well as promote emotional, cognitive, social, and physical development. Developmentally appropriate activities can also build self-esteem and enthusiasm for learning. As a caregiver and educator it is my role to support children’s interests and learning needs.

Our curriculum is based on this philosophy, which is backed by current research findings and grounded in a century’s worth of  work by researchers such as Maslow, Vygotsky, Piaget, and Erickson.

I am always sure to explore five developmental domains with the children each day.

·         Language Development: Songs, rhymes, and finger plays, as well as a variety of other activities related to the acquisition and expression of language.

·         Physical Development: Toddlers are continually advancing their large motor skills (walking, running, etc.) and fine motor skills (utilizing utensils, turning the page of a book, etc.) I will provide opportunities to practice both types of skills)

·         Creative Exploration: This domain encompasses activities related to sensory exploration, dramatic play, and open-ended art experiences.  These activities can promote learning and development in a variety of areas.  Examples include learning new words, practicing fine motor skills, developing large motor abilities, experiencing concepts related to science, learning to problem-solve, gaining emotional understanding and control, and developing important social skills.

·         Cognitive Development: Activities under the umbrella of cognitive development feature colors, shapes, numbers and letters.  Children learn to recognize and name each and to eventually use problem-solving skills to sort, pattern, count, describe, etc.

·         Social-Emotional Development: Toddlers come to know the world and their place in it through relationships.  Relationships provide comfort, protection, encouragement and a buffer during stressful times.  Activities focus on the mental health of children.  I also introduce yoga poses.

Each month I encourage you to visit this site and share the songs, books, printables and activity suggestions with your little one. Not to mention see great pictures of what your child has been doing during the day!

Each quarter you will receive a copy of a Parent Newsletter.  The Parent Newsletter includes up-to-date information on a topic related to child development or behavior, a list of the program’s goals, the themes and concepts, introduced songs, rhymes, or finger plays, and a book list. (Consider gathering some of the suggested book titles to share with your child at home!)

The continuity between home and childcare is very important and reinforces to your child that The Kids’ Spot is an entrusted, special place for them.

The Early Exploration program and The Kids’ Spot Preschool program have been tailored to compliment each other so that no age group feels left out of the fun!