Philosophy

The philosophy of Living Word Child Development Center is to provide growth for
the whole child. As a result, our philosophy will allow children to:

Grow spiritually, so as to...

• Develop a sense of trust
• Realize their need for God's love
• Know Jesus as their personal Savior
• Respond to God's Love
• Feel secure in God's love and care
• See themselves as God's children

Grow emotionally, so as to...

• Develop a positive self-concept
• Be free to risk failure and be comfortable with mistakes
• Develop a sense of security and trust
• Show independence and self-responsibility
• Channel emotions into appropriate and acceptable outlets

Grow socially, so as to...

• Learn to play, work and communicate with peers and adults
• Adjust to group situations
• Accept others even though they may be different
• Develop a sense of community
• Accept changes in environments and routines

Grow physically, so as to...

• Develop gross and fine motor coordination
• Develop eye-hand and eye-foot coordination
• Become aware of his or her own body

Grow intellectually, so as to...

• Continue to develop language use and understanding
• Develop pre-reading skills such as:
• Visual discrimination
• Auditory discrimination
• Understanding of symbols
• Love of and interest in books
• Develop an ever-increasing attention span
• Complete tasks begun
• Initiate his or her own activities

Grow creatively, so as to...

• View him or herself as a unique individual created and valued by God
• Express ideas in his or her own unique way
• Be free to create artistically using a variety of media
• Develop his or her God-given talents and abilities

Religious Training

As a Christian child care facility, religious activities will be emphasized as part
of the daily curriculum at all ages. Specifically, this includes:

• Integrating Bible songs, stories, and prayers into the daily curriculum
• Celebrating church related holidays (Christmas and Easter)
• Demonstrating and modeling God’s love and forgiveness with others

Curriculum

Our curriculum involves developmentally appropriate materials for young children.
We recognize that children build concepts on concrete
experiences and learn chiefly through their senses of taste, touch, smell,
sight, and hearing. Therefore, our teachers plan themes and activities based on
the children’s level of learning and interests and help children to grow and learn
to the best of their God-given abilities.

Cultural Diversity

The Center encourages and welcomes diversity in our programs. The staff and
curriculum will provide:

• Opportunities for children to socially interact with each other and adults,
and to advance the acceptance of individual differences
• Exposure to music, dance, foods, and customs from a wide variety of cultures

Transitions

Transitions within the daily program will be handled with as little wait time as
possible. Teacher-directed activities such as songs, finger plays, stories, and
games are designed to keep children involved.

Parent Communication

The Center provides a number of opportunities for parents to interact with
teachers and staff. Parents are always welcome to call the administrator or
their child’s teacher at the center during the day if they have any questions
or concerns. Teachers communicate daily with parents through conversation
and/or daily sheets.  Individual classroom newsletters are published
monthly. Other opportunities for parents and teachers to meet include our
Open Houses, family events, and parent/teacher conferences.

A copy of Center policies and/or state licensing rules are available upon request.

Infant and Toddler Schedule Coordination

All attempts will be made to coordinate the schedule of infants and toddlers
with their schedules at home (for example, infant feeding schedule or toddler
sleeping and eating schedules). Staff and parent communication will be a key to
successful coordination. All parents of infants and toddlers must fill out an Intake
Form when they register. It will be kept in the infant and toddler classrooms.

Programming for Infants/Toddlers

The development of infants and toddlers will be broadened through loving,
individualized care. Growth will be achieved through physical, emotional,
social, language, and gross/fine motor development. Infants will function on
an individual schedule. Both groups will engage in gross-motor and outdoor
activities. Toddlers eat lunch at 11:30 am.

Programming for Preschool Children

Our preschool-only program is geared towards three and four year olds who
need only an academic program without extra care. Our program runs daily
from 8:30-11:30 AM and 12:30 – 3:30 PM (4 year olds M,W, F / 3 year olds T,TH). This well-rounded program includes opportunities for spiritual, social, academic, emotional,
and physical growth. Opportunities for gross-motor and outdoor experiences
will also be incorporated.

Child Care Children

Our teachers provide quality care and a safe, nurturing environment for each
child. While in our care, children are provided opportunities to grow spiritually,
socially, academically, physically, and emotionally. Each day, a morning and
afternoon snack are provided and children enjoy the opportunity to have indoor
or outdoor gross-motor play both morning and late afternoon. Lunch is served
at 11:15 followed by rest time.

Pre-School +

Our Pre-School + program includes our Pre-School program incorporated into full-time daycare for our students. This program is geared toward three and four-year-olds and includes our academic program along with structured free play, two snacks, lunch time, rest time and large motor skill development in our "Crossing" or outside on our playground.

Extended Care for School Age Children

A planned program for school-aged children will provide a time of transition
from their school routine through quiet activities, outdoor and active play,
and free choice activity time. The program is developed on the premise that
children need structure and variety. The schedule naturally leads children into
the school day in the morning and gradually removes them from it in the
evening. A snack is provided at approximately 4:00 p.m.