Riverbend Playschool aims to:
• Enhance the overall development of children and contribute to the development of a positive self-concept
• Encourage a love of learning
• Help children develop the skills to play and interact cooperatively in a group setting
Learning through play
We believe that play is central to a child’s learning. That’s why play is an essential component of our program. Through themes, activities, songs, books, crafts and field trips, your child will learn by active participation, experimentation and experience.
We believe that children should be free to explore craft materials and express themselves freely without adult expectations placed on their work. We focus on the process, rather than the final product. Learning can be fun, and we hope to bring about this in the children. This attitude will serve them well throughout their school years, and throughout their lives.
Our 'learning through play' classroom emphasizes the social, emotional, physical, creative and intellectual development of each child. All of these developmental elements help build a child's positive self-esteem and his or her unique personal attributes. Within a 'learning through play' environment, each child learns and develops at an individual pace, while still benefiting from being part of a group.
A cooperative approach to early childhood education
As a cooperative, Riverbend Playschool works in partnership with the parents to enhance the children's growth and development, and provide a safe learning environment. When a child feels secure, they can learn to take risks and open their minds to the world around them.
A child's education is the cooperative responsibility of many people in the community. The interaction between teachers, classmates, parents and the community play an important role in children’s development. Each can encourage a child's creativity and learning, as well as intellectual, emotional and physical development.
We believe that cooperation between parents and teachers in reinforcing common goals is an unbeatable combination in nurturing young children. Teachers provide educational expertise, objectivity and experience; parents provide knowledge of the child acquired through their loving and caring relationship. Together, they can strengthen and enhance the quality of the child’s playschool experience. When parents are involved in their child's education, the entire family benefits and the specific child’s achievement levels tend to rise.