Early Childhood Program Philosophy

We believe that Early Childhood Intervention Services can make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. Early Childhood services must be flexible, accessible and responsive to family needs. We believe that each family wants to provide an optimal learning environment for their child. We see the parent as the child’s primary nurturer, teacher, and caregiver. Parents know their child’s strengths and needs best and therefore, are the child’s best source of encouragement and learning. Early childhood team members empower parents by helping them to focus on their child’s interests and learning opportunities within the context of everyday routines. Team members may also provide support to parents by sharing information about early child development, health, nutrition and available community resources. Parents and families have a right to this information so that they can actively share in planning and meaningful decision-making. We view parents and the early childhood team members as partners who recognize and value the knowledge, skills, and feelings of one another. Early childhood services are provided in such a way that each family’s unique culture, attitudes, values, feelings and priorities are respected. Open communication between parents and team members is of the utmost importance. We want parents to share information about their child and to feel free to ask questions and express concerns. Early childhood team members build on the parents’ ideas and what they are already doing. They may also provide parents with information on child development and activities aimed at promoting the child’s development. We believe that children learn when they are actively engaged in playing with the people and materials; exploring, manipulating, practicing and experimenting with the people and things around them. Children’s play is their “work”. Parents encourage this play by following the child’s lead and activity level and providing activities that the child enjoys and is interested in.