What We Offer
At Playful Beginnings we offer a truly play-based curriculum and look foward to creating a community of caring adults and families. We believe that parents are an essential part of their child's learning journey and we welcome open communication and collaboration. When your child is at school they will be able to learn and practice the skills necessary to be successful in the years to come. They will have ample opportunity to work on their physical development, regulation, social skills, and more!
Child Led
Children learn best through play. We hear this often, but what does that really mean and what does it look like? It includes a few key components including allowing children to choose what to play and who to play with, large blocks of time dedicated to their play, and teachers who value and facilitate their play and social interactions. Everyday children will have opportunities to experience dramatic play, art, building, music, movement, water, sand, stories, and so much more!
Process Art
The process of creating art is where magic and learning come together. Young children learn best when they are able to freely explore materials, experiment with different mediums, and gain mastery of a variety of skills. Focusing on the process of making art develops creativity, enhances the child's self-image, allows for risk-taking, and encourages problem-solving.
Social Skills
Our focus on relationships and building communication skills is designed to help children develop the social and emotional skills necessary for success in school and life. Through free play and group activities, children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and form positive relationships with their peers.
Connection
Feeling connected to those around us is an important part of being human. This is also the best place for children to learn and grow. When children feel connected to their teachers and peers they are better equipped to cope with big emotions, work through conflict, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in the type of deep play where the best learning happens!
Early Literacy
Building the foundation for future literacy is an important part of early education. The best way to do this is through age-appropriate introduction to stories, words of importance, and the power of the written and spoken word. We do this through reading to the children every day, writing down their words and feelings, having their names in numerous areas in the school, and so much more! Feel free to ask about more ways that we support age-appropriate early literacy.
Joy
Happiness is always at the top of a parent's list of what they want for their child. Did you know that when a child is happy, connected to those around them, and in a regulated state that it is also the best place for optimal brain development? Feeling joyful not only feels good, but helps a child to learn and develop the necessary skills to tackle difficult situations and be successful later in school. We take this to heart and aim for school days filled with joy, laughter, new experiences, and loving support during challenging times.