Our Philosophy
The programs of Dorman Preschool will provide a learning environment in which a child is helped at his or her own level to learn how to plan his own life-actions: Where a child receives love, security, acceptance, values, self-control, independence, protection, and guidance and teachers earnestly try to involve a child in the excitement of learning.
Dorman Preschool has adopted the philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach through our training and mentoring with the Early Childhood Excellence Academy. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is an approach to teaching, learning and advocacy for children. In its most basic form, it is a way of observing what children know, are curious about and what challenges them. Teachers record these observations to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways to help children expand their academic and social potentials. Long term projects connect core academic areas in and out of the classroom.
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach derives its name from its place of origin, Reggio Emilia, a city located in Emilia Romagna in Northern Italy. Shortly after the Second World War, the parents of this region collaborated with Loris Malaguzzi, a lifelong educator, innovator and creative philosopher to find a unique public system of childcare education. Loris Malaguzzi and the parents of Reggio Emilia Italy were devastated by the destruction that took place during World War II and believed that the approach to education had to fundamentally change. Based on principles of respect, responsibility and community, a philosophy was born.
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In the Reggio Emilia Approach, there is a coined expression, “A child has a hundred languages.” The approach unites and develops all languages-innovation, nature, construction, fantasy, art, music, dance, building, writing, talking, signing, science, body, and soul. The multiple languages are used to help children build knowledge and understand the world around them.
Image of the Child
The Reggio Emilia approach believes in the rights and opinions of each child. A child is a competent, capable and natural researcher who has the desire for knowledge and life and is always ready for challenges..
Environment as the Third Teacher
The spaces of the schools are both thoughtful and inviting. The Reggio Emilia approach believes that the environment in which your child explores is the third teacher. Materials in the classroom inspire children to think outside the box.
The Role of the Teacher
The teacher plays a critical role by being the child’s partner and recognizing many learning possibilities. In order to further the learning process, teachers listen, observe, inquire, document, work together and reflect upon the experiences of children.
Documentation
Each moment of your child’s day at Dorman Preschool is filled with meaningful experiences and thoughtful interactions. In order to understand children and the way they learn, teachers work diligently to document all aspects of the learning process. From daily journals, child specific observations and children’s artwork, all moments are considered pieces of the process and are made visible in the classroom for revisiting and reflection. Teachers and children alike are able to view their thinking and their learning process through documentation.