Child Care Pre School Philosophy of Education

Tigard Covenant Learning Center

Philosophy of Education

When we examine how we think about, work with, or teach children─ our values regarding their education become clear. It is true that─ where our values are─ so is our effort, our behavior. At Tigard Covenant Learning Center (TCLC) we value children.

The Program at Tigard Covenant Learning Center is child-centered and developmentally appropriate.  In our practice we have seen the evidence back-up the theory that learning takes place in the context of relationship; therefore, we observe, listen to and interact with children both independently, and as a part of the group.  This particular assessment process is ongoing. TCLC staff crafts lessons around what children are interested in, and delivers information per the developmental needs of individual children.

TCLC staff knows that children learn better when the curriculum reflects what they are interested in ─ what they know ─ and what they are curious about (child-centered), as opposed to the more traditional approach which is a teacher-centered curriculum. Staff at Tigard Covenant Learning Center listen well, in order to capture what children talk about, ask about, and draw.  The child-centered approach fuels rich classroom discussion and activity when children can see themselves and their lives reflected in the lesson.

We believe that every child deserves respect and success ─ each and every day.  To achieve that, our curriculum is not only child-centered, but also developmentally appropriate, that is, tuned to where individual children are in their development. To achieve ongoing development, we plan in order to stretch learning by anticipating what children will likely do next. When we conduct ourselves with such a level of respect for each one, they will all learn more than the scholarly lesson we set out to teach.

We look forward to the opportunity to interact with children, family members and one another in order to reflect the love that Jesus Christ has for each one of us. We also see that it is our responsibility to help children to develop a Christ like attitude toward themselves and others by actively living God’s command to, “Love one another.”

At Tigard Covenant Learning Center each child has as much opportunity to be seen and heard, to learn, and to be successful daily as any other child. Our practice is intentional; we plan well for desired outcomes in all academic and social areas, and purposefully operate in a manner that assures each child takes away a positive view of his or her own ability.  Spending the day in such an environment allows children to feel safe and at ease with the content and more apt to participate in the learning.