Parents and staff are actively trained in developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood, and both groups understand and can articulate that playing, sharing, having conversations at meal time are helping the children to develop socially. It is also realized that learning about their environment, sorting, and asking questions helps the children to develop intellectually. The LAP utilizes no more than 5 minutes of that child's time, and most activities are completed during child-initiated activities without interrupting the child's natural play. The LAP is an ongoing assessment which is reevaluated quarterly to ensure the plans are up to date.
Parents are a valuable resource, providing relevant information on their child.
Discussions at the center and on home visits allow parents and staff the chance to share important details on the child's day. This information is used as a part of the child's comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan provides members of all service areas the opportunity to identify program activities provided to each child and family. By providing experiences to meet these goals, identifying the roles of staff members and parents, and supplying appropriate materials and equipment, the program can consistently develop, individualize and respond to the varied needs of the children. A quality curriculum supports each child's needs and interests.