Our Philosophy

The ABC's and so much more ...
First and foremost Ladybug School has a loving, nurturing, home away from home warmth. By emphasizing social skills such as sharing, respect for one another, and conflict resolution in addition to exploration and problem solving skills we assist your child in developing a love of learning and the skills of critical thinking and observation which make for a great student with a curiosity about the world and others. Through collaborative projects in our art and cooking classes, working together as an ensemble in music and movement classes as well as playing in the dramatic play areas, children are offered many opportunities to hone their social skills while making important and exciting observations and discoveries in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Recent studies indicate that children learn most through child-initiated activities. At Ladybug School we are always working at ways of creating exciting learning experiences based upon the emergent interests of the children. In this way the children feel very connected to the content of curricula and therefore gain more from their experiences. This type of approach helps children to become observers, problem solvers and critical thinkers rather than simply memorizers and rule followers.

What is play-based curricula?
Play-based curricula takes into account one of the most important things which researchers have discovered about young children -- play is children's work. Through exploring their environment, role playing, acting out scenarios and experimenting in any number of ways children learn about the world around them, their role in it and their relationship to others. We provide the time, space, tools, toys and direction for children to do just that. With a combination of directed activities such as art, cooking, music and movement classes, circle time etc and "free play" times children are offered just the right balance for them to learn, grow and thrive.

How are we inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach?

• By using a process oriented approach to our explorations of art, music, cooking etc.
• Giving each child the chance to explore and interpret in their own way
• By providing high-quality, engaging materials and supplies
• Using the environment as a teacher--display of art materials, tools, toys, dramatic play area in an aesthetically pleasing, stimulating way and encouraging children to interact with their environment in a mindful and reflective nature
• Encouraging pre-science, pre-math and pre-literacy integration into all aspects of our day
• Speaking to the children with a sense of respect that honors their individuality
• Documenting their work through photographs and written text which allow the children to revisit their experiences and the parents to share in our discoveries and experiences
• By constantly looking to the children's emergent interests as cues for what we should be exploring in class

Our goals:

• To provide a loving, nurturing environment whereby children can learn to explore, learn and grow
• To enhance physical, social, cognitive, and emotional growth
• To assist young children in their explorations of themselves and the world around them
• To prepare our students for the exciting next step of kindergarten and beyond