Philosophy

1047 Curtiss, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone (630) 968-0527 Fax (630) 968-7568

Curriculum / Philosophy

Family Life's "Developmentally Appropriate" Practice

You may have noticed when you enter our classrooms that the children seem to be “just playing”. In recent years, a trend toward increased emphasis on formal instruction in academic skills has emerged in early childhood programs. This trend toward formal academic instruction for younger children is based on misconceptions about early learning (Elkind, 1986). Despite the trend among some educators to formalize instruction, there has been no comparable evidence of change in what young children need for optimal development or how they learn. In fact, a growing body of research has emerged recently affirming that children learn most effectively through a concrete, play-oriented approach to early childhood education.
Research shows that a high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while responding to the needs of families. The Family Life Program also strives to nurture in each child an attitude of love and respect for themselves as persons, to be concerned for others, to have a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them, and to experience the joy of learning for its own reward. Based on such knowledge about what children age 3-6 are like, we design our program to fit them. It works better than expecting children to adjust to the demands of our program.

The concept of developmental appropriateness is twofold:

Knowledge of typical development of children within the ages of 3-6 provides a framework from which teachers prepare the learning environment and plan appropriate experiences.
Both the curriculum and adults’ interactions with children should be responsive to individual differences. Learning in young children is the result of interaction between the child’s thoughts and experiences with materials, ideas, and people. Children’s play enables them to progress in all developmental areas. Therefore, child-initiated, child-directed, teacher supported play is an essential component of developmentally appropriate practice.

The “Creative Curriculum” is used by the teachers as a guide in creating lessons that are age appropriate and engaging for the children in the classroom. The teachers are encouraged to introduce resources within the church and community by exploring our neighborhood and what it has to offer to enhance the learning experience for children. To encourage a child’s musical interest, a bimonthly music session is provided by a church member to all children enrolled in the program. We are excited to learn as much as we can about each child’ family, cultural background, past experience, and current circumstances to meet the needs of the families in our community.

The Family Life Program

Calendar

NAEYC

Our Church

DCFS