Our Philosophy
At Seaside Discovery Preschool, we believe our program should show evidence of our philosophy in everything we do with children.
Preschool Teachers and staff will be loving, caring, kind,
intelligent, intuitive, energetic, enthusiastic, good humored, and fun!
We will always put the needs of the children first!
Preschool should be a magical, joyful place where children are free to run, play, laugh, sing, dance, create, paint, imagine, discover, get dirty, and be loved and accepted for who they are.
Children learn best when they are completely engaged in things that interest them. Our activities are designed, enhanced, and expanded upon according to the children's interests and needs.
Real learning takes place through discoveries. We practice experiential play, hands-on sensory activities, exploration of the natural world (animals, insects, gardens, open space, and more), and developing the interests of the children, as a group.
Coloring "outside the lines" and "thinking outside the box" are more important in developing higher level thinking skills than the reverse. We strive to delight, inspire, and satisfy gifted children, keeping in mind that all children have special gifts.
Mommies and Daddies are the most important people in our children's lives and should be part of the preschool classroom. Parents are welcome to participate at anytime. There will be ample opportunities to help with field trips, parties, special projects, cooking days, read alouds, etc.
We are all connected to the earth. Being in touch with the natural world helps us all stay happy, peaceful, inspired, and fulfilled. Learning experiences will often be brought outside to the garden, play yard, and natural environment.
We learn best through our senses.
Projects are planned to stimulate sensory awareness, such as scented play-dough, ooey-gooey days, finger painting, sand and water, cooking projects, all aspects of the natural environment.
Preschool should be a place where children learn to love and care for others, and treat every living thing with care and respect.
Children will care for and interact with our bunny and raise insects and creatures such as worms, tadpoles, butterflies, snails, ladybugs, and baby chicks.
Children will learn that they have an affect on everyone and everything around them. They will learn how to be part of a group in a positive way, while still being recognized and appreciated for their uniqueness. Children will be taught problem solving, conflict resolution, and awareness of their feelings and the feelings of others. Circle time will be a time to problem solve as a group while listening to everyone's ideas.
It's okay and fun to get dirty!
(This is what the change of clothes is for.) Every day will have ample opportunities to play in the sand and water, paint, play with play-dough, etc. Ooey-days are the children's favorite days!
Children need to learn about their community and the world outside the classroom. We take nature walks, go on field trips, and have parents and speakers visit our classroom.
Children will learn that there are logical consequences following unacceptable behavior; teachers are there to help and to keep them safe. All discipline will be done in a loving, respectful way, modeling appropriate behavior and helping children to work out their problems with each other.
Children will learn all the skills necessary to move them on to a challenging, academic Kindergarten, and we will be sure that they are developmentally ready to face the challenges of this new grade. Children will learn early math skills such as sorting, classifying, counting, numeral recognition, letter recognition, sounds, letter, and name writing. A developmental assessment will be given to children by age 3 1/2 and at least twice before kindergarten.
All of the emotions that a child feels are okay! If they are happy, we will share their joy. If they are sad, we will hold them and help them through it. If they are angry we will help them resolve it without hurting others or themselves. The needs of the children will always come first. Learning about each other's feelings and needs is a big part of developing one's social/emotional intelligence.