|
|
|
Our Philosophy
|
To best express the "Sunshine philosphy", I've assembled some excerpts from previous newsletters, articles, and
thoughts about childcare over the last 20+ years. Please read the articles and ponder if the sentiments "feel right." If so,
Sunshine would be a good preschool for you.
Things I've learned about kids and childcare, 1988
- Parting can be sweet, loud, & tearful sorrow. Please: give your child one hug, one kiss, one smile; say "See you (whenever);" and LEAVE! We'll call you if there's a problem.
- Forget cute clothes and fancy shoes. Kids should wear old, comfortable stuff and tough shoes. Can your child change into /out of the clothing to go to the bathroom? Do you mind if mud or paint comes home on shirts or shorts? AND: jewelry, scarves, and belts disappear. So please send us regular play kids; we'll have a great time.
- For resting, a teddy bear, small blanket, and one or two books may be useful. These stay in cubbies until needed.
- We don't necessarily "share." We take turns. There's a big difference! Kids here have the right to say, "No, thank you. You can play next, but I'm playing with … now." (The children may not be rude or unkind when they say this.)
- We teach our Sunshine Kids to tell the OTHER PERSON FIRST when there's a problem. "Please don't do that! It hurts me. I don't like that." If words don't work, then kids go to a teacher. We want children to be sensitive to another's situation and feelings; we also think kids can handle many of their own problems.
- We explain things to kids in a reasonable manner, and we have marvelous discussions! But we'll make you a deal: you believe only ½ the stuff they tell you about preschool & we'll believe about ½ the incredible stuff they tell us about YOU! We definitely believe in open communication, however, so always talk to us about your concerns.
- We use logical consequences, the if-you-do-this, then-this-will-happen approach. KIDS HAVE CHOICES AND THERE ARE RESULTS. We are consistent on this and it works. Time-outs help, too, for quiet thinking.
- Simple, nutritious lunches are best. And, please, don't send anything adults need to open, slice, or heat; we just don't have the time and our license doesn't allow us to slice or heat (that would be "preparing" food.) Kids need to be able to handle lunch without frustration. We encourage your child to pack his lunch (with your wisdom guiding him.)
- Kids are naturally curious about their world. Intricate, elaborate toys are not necessary; blocks are. Playtime can be the most valuable learning situation for a young child. Ask your child to explain his play to you-what a joy!
- Art is a basic necessity at Sunshine School. Our projects are creative and educational; the kids just think they're having fun! We don't encourage neatness or perfection. Enjoyment and learning from the process are infinitely more important than the finished product.
- We work! Everyone helps to pick up toys, put away resting things, clean up after lunch, and wash windows (cars, too!)
- Kids go to the bathroom alone. Teachers do not wipe bottoms.
- We invite you to share your interests with us. Would you like to come and show us how you: play the sax, bake bread, use a drill? We'd love it! You are welcome here anytime.
What I learned in 1989
Your children are loving, intelligent people; each parent cares tremendously about the academic and emotional well-being of his/her child. But please always remember: YOU ARE THE PARENT. YOU ARE IN CHARGE. The boundaries and examples you set for your family will come to fruition when your child is a teenager.
When you say "yes" to whatever, that's wonderful! When you say "no," be firm and consistent. Kids know how to handle parents, so be aware and thoughtful when using rules and constructive discipline.
I really think, also, that we do not improve a child's life by giving him every possible advantage without the balancing effect of responsibility and empathy.
Lastly, please do not let your children completely dominate your time. Make time for you; spend time with your spouse; hire sitters and go out! Forget the guilt. The children will survive.
Thoughts from May, 1990
Kids need to ask questions! This is natural, but teachers at Sunshine extend the obvious. We occasionally try to give the children misinformation. WE RARELY SUCCEED! Critical listening, logical thought, experimentation, security in being able to doubt authority - these concepts form the foundation of true education.
Children need to explore life. And while some situations will always be constant (no one can walk in front of a moving vehicle; hot water hurts, etc.), much of living needs to be questioned. We adults, at mid-life, review our goals, re-evaluate motives, and reshape our philosophies. Kids need to feel comfortable in questioning life, too.
Sometimes, in a sober tone, I'll mention that the sky is a lovely shade of purple and then move right on to 6 + 4 = 10. I watch and wait for a reaction; soon the smiles and giggles appear. "Silly Sue, the sky is blue!" Well, of course! But the kids had to listen, think, and tell me the reality. I worry tremendously when they don't respond.
In personal interaction, we help the kids think of alternative solutions. One child smacks another. Now what are the options? What are the consequences? Which solution is the best right now? Can the child reason through emotions and into responsible behavior?
We want Sunshine kids to be alert, to actively question adults, and to think logically. (We want everyone, everywhere, every age to do the same.) Please try to continue our work at home. Give silly answers, respond absurdly, and try "what if?" instead of the obvious. You must be judicious, however; raising skeptical children does have drawbacks. We never want kids to feel frightened or insecure. Our constant goal is to nurture curiosity.
Words of (a little) Wisdom from 1991…
Relax, sweet parents, and make an effort to enjoy your young children. Honestly, seems like the proverbial "yesterday" that my kids were 4 and 5 years old. Now they are ready to leave. (Me too; I'm ready for them to leave!) With love in my heart, I know it's time to be brave and wish them well.
Parents' work is always the same: preparing a child to leave the safety of the family and survive on his/her own. Some of you leave the Sunshine Family now, ready for public school and its demands. And while you may never see us again, be assured you will always have a place to call home. I think we never lose anyone; people just move away for a while. We teachers reminisce and smile. Our friends stay with us…
Time for some mental housekeeping on my part: "Things I wish I had done with my kids at an early age." Maybe you can grab one or two, because I wish I/my sons had:
- gone on little vacations just to see new things
- gone on a big vacation to the Smithsonian Museums
- spent time by lakes, oceans, rivers
- had the grandparents closer to us
- lounged in the grass, listening to jazz
- eaten weird food
- slept out on the patio, together, under the stars
- taken more family pictures
- planted a little vegetable garden
- learned better manners
- eaten in really snazzy restaurants (once a year)
- become more informed and responsible about money
It was only fair to ask the boys what they wished I had done, right? Their replies:
- "I wish Dad and you made better arrangements for me to go to college. You two didn't communicate well at all." (from Matt. He's right.)
- "I wish you had helped me be more sensitive to other people, like my brothers." (said Adam. He's learning sensitivity now that he has a terrific girlfriend.)
- "I wish we had more meal times together, that tradition…" (from Chris, and I totally agree.)
What can I say… we all do the best we can with what we have. None of us need feel guilty ever. But the rest of the story is to be aware of long-range goals when our children are young; enjoy the moments of living; encourage spontaneity; seek honesty; smile and cry together.
Excerpts from the May 3, 1993 newsletter
Next year (1994) will mark Sunshine's 10th anniversary - and that makes me smile. Many of our teachers have been here most of the time. We've often cared for the 2nd or 3rd child in the same family!
I have come to view Sunshine as a community service, not just a preschool. We try to help many people (did you know that musicians practice here - late at night? Girl Scouts meet here on weekends; a townhouse association holds it annual meeting at Sunshine. Once, a lovely reception took place here…) It's important for us to help the community and our families; for kids to help each other; for businesses to invest in education. These are the real life lessons of being empathetic and responsible.
Thank you for being with us. Even if your time at Sunshine is short, you'll still be here, in our minds and in our hearts. You are always our friend and part of the Sunshine Family.
From a newsletter on February 10, 2000
THIS IS IMPORTANT: I'm changing Sunshine's mission, slightly. For a number of years, we've offered
after-school and summer care to our older children (and siblings) who attend Harelson and the local schools.
I've made this time/space available because parents have concerns about safety at the public school programs.
As a parent, I want to help; as an Early Childhood educator, I have to say Sunshine is not the best spot for
the older kids. We simply don't have the appropriate equipment or area to meet the needs of 8, 9, and 10
year olds; the arrangement becomes frustrating to the big kids, the preschoolers, and the staff. So, I've
made a tough decision. Beginning in May of 2001, Sunshine will accept children ages 3 - 7 for our summer program.
And once public school begins in July or August, only kindergartners & 1st graders may attend Sunshine's after-school
program. These youngsters are learning to handle tough transitions: from preschool to public school (kinders),
and from a ½ day to a full day program (1st graders.) I think we can lovingly help them through these changes.
While this is a difficult decision for me personally, I believe it better affords Sunshine the time and
capability to focus on quality Early Childhood education.
|
|
|
|
