Precious Hearts Child Care provides an early learning program that focuses on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). A STEM-based program taps into a child's natural curiosity and gives them opportunities to be active participants in their own learning. A setting that offers them unlimited opportunities to explore and investigate will help them build skills that create a solid foundation for future learning. Some of the hands-on activities the children are doing that are STEM related:
Science - rolling their cars down a ramp to see friction in action
Technology - using flashlights to make hand shadows on the wall which teaches them how shadows are created
Engineering - building tall buildings with the blocks and arches while learning what will stand and why
Math - making patterns using the color cubes to learn how to predict more accurately and learn sequencing
Our curriculum also encompasses letters, shapes, colors, numbers, art and music. Children will be able to learn on an individual and/or small group basis. Our classroom is set up with a dramatic play center, block and reading center as well as other practice centers. There is also a large fenced, child-friendly back yard equipped with fun safe playing equipment and areas for running and climbing.
To encourage and improve their social and emotional development our school family uses Conscious Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey, PhD (www.consciousdiscipline.com). This nationally recognized program provides children skills to express and manage their feelings. One skill we practice is being a S.T.A.R. (Stop, Take a Deep Breath and Relax) which helps in resolving conflicts by creating a caring community in our class (our "school family").
I participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through Red River in Gainesville, Texas.
"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million."
~Walt Streightiff