Hidden Hills Early Learning Center is a preschool/daycare facility dedicated to the philosophy that every child is unique and special. Our experienced, professional teachers recognize and respond to the emotional, social, cognitive and physical needs of the child in our care. It is in our mission to establish personal relationships and positive learning experiences in a warm and nurturing environment. Teachers respect and promote individuality while supporting children and their families throughout their experience at Hidden Hills.
At Hidden Hills, learning through play is the core of our curriculum. The National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), on which our program is based, emphasizes three factors critical for early childhood program development, age appropriations, individual appropriations, and social and emotional appropriations. First activities are age appropriate to meet the developmental needs of young children (3-5 years). Materials are provided that motivate children to learn on a hands, on concrete way. Teachers guide experiences as supporters and role models. Our teachers value the work of theorist Lev Vygotsky who believes children learn through social learning with adults providing assistance to children to encourage further development. Teachers use Vygotsky’s theory of scaffolding, in which an adult provides assistance, but then reduces it, as the child becomes comfortable with the task at hand. These social interactions are helpful to promote positive development in children and encourage children to be challenged cognitively.
Secondly, our curriculum is designed to meet the child’s individual needs. Each child learns at their own rate and has their own learning style. A child’s individual approaches to learning are respected and our classroom activities provide flexibility and are adaptive to meet children individual needs.
Lastly, social and cultural diversity is recognized and program goals are appropriate. We strive to provide activities that reflect the diversity of our society and our children. We recognize and welcome families’ cultural contribution and introduce concepts that incorporate these shared ideas. In addition, activities and materials reflect differences in age and attributions.
At Hidden Hills concrete materials are provided to enable children to see and experience. Hands on activities foster active involvement and enhance learning. Children learn about the world by using their senses to explore manipulate and design. Our play-based environment is designed to enhance these concepts and provide a balance of teacher provided and self-chosen tasks.