The Children's Way Philosophy

The philosophy of The Children's Way is to provide a nurturing and stimulating inclusive environment where children can pursue their individual interests through developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Our curriculum is play-based with open­ ended process-oriented activities that value self-expression and enhance self­ esteem. We respect children by valuing play, exploration, discovery and choice. A major focus of the program is community building which fosters both a sense of self, as well as developing values of cooperation and caring in the group.

We are committed to meeting the needs of the whole child, the family, and the community at large.

~Collectively authored by TCW Staff

Program

We pride ourselves in offering a developmentally appropriate curriculum, which means that we acknowledge and appreciate the developmental level and learning style of each child and then provide appropriate opportunities for discovery and growth. Close attention is paid to the process of play in which children make sense of their world and build on their learning and experience. Through play and planned activities the children are able to develop skills, express their creativity, and gain confidence and independence.

Our curriculum and practice reflects the Massachusetts Board of Education Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences that is based on the standards for PreK - K of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. These guidelines structure learning through play and meaningful activities in a developmental sequence. They are intended to provide continuity of curriculum from preschool into kindergarten and to ensure that children are provided with “experiences that build broad and balanced foundations for learning in all content areas” including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering, History and Social Science, Health Education and the Arts.

We have five classrooms in which children are grouped in age ranges varying between twelve to eighteen months. Our program serves children ages 2.6 years to 5 years. Classrooms are staffed at a minimum teacher/student ratio of 1:5 or 1:6. These excellent ratios ensure that teachers, all experienced and highly- trained early childhood professionals, are able to provide the individual attention needed to foster each child's development.

Planning and scheduling are essential elements of creating a program where children feel safe, involved and challenged. The daily routine at The Children's Way recognizes young children's need for consistency and predictability, while it offers room for spontaneity and flexibility. Within this well-defined, safe and nurturing setting, children increasingly develop the confidence they need to make independent choices, to interact with their peers, and to explore, learn and create.

In these early years, young children are working hard to acquire the complex social skills so critical to their development. Teachers support children in this crucial area by providing clearly- defined and age- appropriate expectations for behavior, and by working with them to build a respectful and caring community within the classroom. Teachers model language for children as they are encouraged to try to "use their words" to interact or work through a difficulty with a peer and to communicate their needs and ideas. Teachers skillfully assess the needs and learning style of each student and employ a variety of teaching techniques in order to support that child’s growth and development. Adaptations are made to activities and methods are modified dependent upon the learning needs and strengths of each individual child. Teachers assess the classroom environment on an on-going basis to ensure that we are creating a positive environment for young children.

Please note: We do not allow toy weapons of any kind in school.

The Children’s Way, a program of the Wayland Schools Community Programs (WSCP), is a fee-based program under the auspices of the Wayland Public Schools. TCW does not discriminate in providing services to children and their families, based on religion, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, political beliefs, gender, age or marital status. Our enrollment procedures are consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Inclusion

The Children's Way is a program for children of all abilities. Typically-developing children and children with special needs are integrated in all classrooms. The classroom environment, activities, materials, and teaching methods accommodate children with a wide range of needs. The Inclusion Coordinator along with Classroom Teachers and Specialists in Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Adapted Physical Education are part of the teaching team. They work with children individually as well as in small group and classroom settings, and consult with each other on an ongoing basis. This inclusive setting allows for the coordination of services that ensures the consistency necessary to meeting children’s needs. Often, typically developing children will accompany children receiving services to a therapy session as a “friend”, thus normalizing the experience as a natural part of the preschool day. Through their experiences at The Children’s Way children learn to respect and value the differences among people.