Salem, OR 97302
Language(s) spoken with children by staff: English and Spanish
Social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum or approach: Yes
Culturally specific program: We have hired bilingual staff (Spanish) with degrees in early childhood education to meet the needs of the families we serve. We offer translated materials to be sent home in native languages, creating the opportunity to build better relationships and open communication with no barriers. This also allows us to deliver materials and teaching processes to children in their own language and it gives us the ability to learn about their culture while incorporating it into our program. Our staff takes the time to get to know each child individually, and in doing so, is able to work with each child where they are at and with individualized learning plans. Through training, and in collaboration with outside partners, our staff has also been trained and continues to learn best practices for working with children with disabilities. We work closely with families and partners to ensure full inclusion within our program.
Educational philosophy or approach: Our program offers a strong curriculum that is geared towards values, lessons, and the culture that our families feel is important. We encourage parent input on goals and plans of things they would like their children to learn about. We also provide learning opportunities that address issues like nutrition, hygiene, germs, and exercise. Our curriculum covers an array of educational areas. We bring community resources into the class for children to learn about. We have the police and fire department visit each year. Other outside resources also come in and share things with the children in our childcare, like our nutritional program and the library. Our education is not just geared towards children, but families too. We will work with parents to educate them on best practices with children and offer them resources for things they may be struggling with. Our mission is to help mold the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of a child in collaboration with their families and communities. We do this through developmentally appropriate practices and environments that foster a child’s individuality, creativity and cultural diversity. We recognize each child’s unique gifts and needs and nurture these in a stimulating environment. We integrate children of varying abilities into our classrooms and teach them at their own pace. We set quality standards for children and celebrate the achievements of each child. Together with families we support children and help them grow into empathetic, lifelong learners. It is the philosophy of our program to provide children with a safe, loving, healthy environment where they feel enveloped in a “home away-from-home” and they feel safe. Our program encourages children’s learning by providing them with developmentally appropriate learning experiences where they can succeed. Families are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom, help with arts and crafts, and go on field trips or special events and occasions. We encourage family input and ideas from their home life and cultures. We value other family’s beliefs and cultures and incorporate them into our program to build closer bonds with families and to better serve their children.
Years in operation: 7
Other services provided: Parenting education; family nights; parent volunteer opportunities; parent advisory group, council, committee; referrals to service providers such as WESD, home visiting
Type of program setting: Family/in-home preschool
Mode of learning: In-person instruction
Bilingual preschool program: Yes
Extended care (before and/or after the Preschool Promise day) available: Yes
Experience or specialized training: Children with developmental delays or disabilities, children who have experienced trauma/ACEs, dual language learners, children with alternative communication systems, children with sensory needs, children in foster care
