Children acquire knowledge about their physical and social worlds through playful interactions with objects and people. Teachers at the center take on the roles of supporters or facilitators of children's play. They prepare the environment with stimulating, age-appropriate materials and activities, and they observe the children for opportunities to extend and enhance growth and learning through play. Knowledge of child development is reflected in our practices of teaching and caring for young children in a group setting. This knowledge is combined with an understanding of each child's growth patterns, interests, and experiences and is used to design a safe, comfortable, and appropriate learning environment.
Teachers work to build relationships with children that are based on mutual respect and trust.
Teachers prepare the environment for children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, other children, and materials. Teachers move among groups and individuals to facilitate children's involvement with each other, the materials, and the activities. They have skills and interests to share, and children enjoy having their parents become part of their school. Many of our parents are employees or students at Cornell, and because of our convenient campus location they are able to join their children for lunch or a brief visit during the day. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year to discuss each child's development and to plan together for appropriate experiences.