ABOUT US
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TLC PHILOSOPHYTLC Academy is a “Reggio Emilia-Inspired” early childhood learning environment. The Reggio-Emilia schools originated in Northern Italy in 1945 and were formed by parents. There is a rich and compelling history behind these school. There is substantial research to support the practices which is why TLC has adopted many of their beliefs. Our commitment to low-ratios and small group sizes allows us to put these practices into action. We believe that children are born with a sense of wonder and it is our job as teachers to facilitate and cultivate their natural instinct to learn.
We implement STREAM, an interdisciplinary approach to education, along with our current Play-Based Learning, under the umbrella of our Reggio Emilia curriculum. Reggio Emilia educational curriculum focuses on child-oriented learning. Activities and experiences are guided by children’s interests and by their natural curiosity. It is a flexible, hands-on approach to teaching by creating opportunities and diverse experiences for children to express and evolve their thinking, problem solving, creativity and social skills. The teachers are Co-Learners with the children. Teachers are flexible and responsive to children’s motivations, interests and context, as well as what is meaningful, and makes sense for children in their lives. The third teacher is the Environment, in the classroom and outdoors, that is specifically designed to foster exploration, interaction and learning. Play-Based Learning provides the backbone of our early childhood education curriculum. Children develop a sense of the world around them as they are encouraged to interact with friends, take turns, and cooperate. STREAM is an interdisciplinary, project-based learning approach that integrates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics to spark creativity, achieve innovation, and deeper insight into the world. SCIENCE: Identification of a problem, gathering data, forming and testing a hypothesis, and recording and analyzing the results to develop creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. TECHNOLOGY: The knowledge and use of Electronic and Non-Electronic resources. We prepare our students for kindergarten where they are required to know how to use a mouse and keyboard to type their names. Non-Electronic technology includes using microscopes, hammers, screwdrivers, staplers, hole punchers, glue, Magna tiles, scissors, measuring cups, etc.to create projects. READING: The development and expansion of literacy by using phonetics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension through visual, tactile, auditory and kinesthetic activities. ENGINEERING: The seeking of solutions to problems by applying scientific knowledge and mathematics to design, build and maintain technologies. Engineering includes designing, constructing and deconstructing structures. ARTS: A spectrum of visual or performing activities and experiences including dance, design, painting, photography and writing to give children unlimited creative freedom to develop solutions and generate unique ideas. MATHEMATICS: The foundation for quantitative reasoning and analysis to develop critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, logical thinking and reasoning skills, as well as to teach life skills such as arithmetic, shapes, angles and distances. Below our the primary beliefs that all TLC teachers embrace and implement on a daily basis. Image of the Child At the heart of the Reggio-Emilia philosophy is the idea that children are born with a sense of wonder and are full of potential and that they are competent and interested in connecting with the world around them. At TLC, we embrace this philosophy by intently observing, listening, and documenting what each child has to offer us as adults. Beautiful Environments The physical space within a classroom is considered to be the third teacher. At TLC, we believe our classrooms should have a "home" feel and should be a warm and inviting space for the children to explore and inspire their curiosity. The environment should encourage imaginative play and be a beautiful space for growing and learning. Emergent Curriculum An emergent curriculum is one that is inspired by a child and developed by the teacher. Our teachers are trained to use their classroom observations as a guide for planning projects and experiences for your child. The teachers master the art of capturing each child's learning by using photography, video, and class work. Our goal is to genuinely listen to children in order to plan a path for learning. Community of Collaboration: TLC is dedicated to providing an organizational structure that enables teachers to collaborate, plan, and reflect on best practices. This encourages our teachers and the center to continuously improve so that we establish the best possible environment for the children in our care. Working alongside parents with open communication and setting goals for children is part of our daily culture. |
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