We are Committed
To providing physical and emotional safety for all children;
To the artful balance of encouraging self-expression and group responsibility;
To the immense trust that parents place in our center and doing everything possible to fulfill that trust.
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.”
– Dianne Ackerman
We believe that children learn wherever they are and by what they are doing. We provide an environment based on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, encouraging children to learn, create and play using eight kinds of intelligence:
Verbal-linguistic
Logical-mathematical
Visual-spatial
Bodily-kinesthetic
Musical-rhythmic
Naturalist
People and social intelligence
Self intelligence
We believe it to be important for children to learn to solve problems and conflicts through the development of emotional and social intelligences. With these skills, children will go out into our global world knowing how to live in a community.
Our Program Philosophy
ALLOW CHOICE
Trusting children to choose how they spend their time and how they engage the world results in play, learning and curriculum.
GO PLAY
Two words that lead to active and engaged play, exploration, discovery, and learning. Two words that show trust in children as learners and value their time, energy, and choices. Two words kids should hear more often.
PLAY IS NOT FRIVOLOUS
It is not a luxury. It is not something to fit in after completing all the important stuff. Play is a drive, a need, a brain-building must-do.
SEE LEARNING
Step back and observe children at play. Pay attention to actions, decisions, expressions, interactions, reactions, and deliberations. See the ever-present learning.
TRUST THEM AS LEARNERS
Child-led free play is valuable for learning and mental health. Allow kids autonomy over their Tasks, Time, Technique, and Team.
TRUST PLAY
During play, children are constantly assessing, testing, and expanding their understanding and abilities. Stepping back and trusting this process is extremely supportive.
“Education is not a preparation for life. Education is life itself.”
– John Dewey
The staff at Walnut Acres Children’s Center are composed of teachers who are devoted to the well being of each child. With varying degrees, each teacher brings unique abilities and skills to help broaden the environment within our center.