Philosophy
​​At Explorer Children’s School we view all children as competent learners who arrive each day with their own strengths, questions and interests they are bursting to explore. Providing them with the appropriate materials and challenges best fosters their growth in creativity, social skills, critical thinking and a growth mindset.
21st Century Skills
At ECS an emphasis is placed on exploring art in all its forms, literacy, science, engineering and math topics and concepts through hands-on, open-ended, play-based learning experiences.
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We rely on child development theory, early childhood research, and personal/professional experience to understand and nurture children's growth.
ECS is inspired by and utilizes many aspects of different successful pedagogical models as they pertain to childhood development and optimal learning.
Reggio Emilia
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Nature and art inspired
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Emergent curriculum
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Open-ended and project based
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Children communicate learning in different forms - print, art, drama, dance, music, imaginative play
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Environment as teacher
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Teacher as co-learner and observer, reflector, and documenter
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Family participation in the school
Montessori
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Self-guided and motivated
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Hands-on, quality materials
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Collaborative and practical approach
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Uninterrupted and at the child’s own pace
Waldorf
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Emphasis on art and nature
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Focus on the larger community
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Integration of arts into curriculum
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At child’s own pace
Froebel (Inventor of Kindergarten)
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Constructing knowledge through open ended play
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Form and function of developmentally appropriate materials
The beauty of all of these models is a common thread which Explorer Children’s School embraces – a child-centered approach:
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Each child is unique, strong, full of potential
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Each child feels safe, valued, and loved
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Honoring and respecting each child individually, where they are at
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Nurturing the growth of the whole child - Intellectually, Physically, Socially, Inspirationally
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Not only as an individual, but as part of their community. It’s through community that children learn about themselves in relation to others.
All of these models and understandings guide our entire teaching approach, helping to forge a clear path that provides balanced stimulation to promote learning to a child’s fullest potential, and enhance social emotional competence, personal well-being, and a very strong sense of community.
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ECS welcomes all children and families. We believe in and support the strengths that a diverse community brings to our learning community so that all children and families experience a sense of belonging and partnership.