For the child:

1. To provide opportunities for being with other children in a setting conducive to the development of wholesome social relationships and natural development.
2. To provide appropriate play experiences that contribute to the developmental needs of the child.
3. To provide opportunities for meaningful play that is based on the child’s individual interests, needs, handicaps, and abilities, and that will build important foundations for future skills.
4. To provide an environment which encourages discovery, experimentation, and the opportunity to see the results of one’s actions.
5. To assist children in their interactions with each other and offering opportunities for cooperative learning.
6. To encourage problem-solving and reflection and increase children’s understanding of themselves and the world around them by helping them engage in developmentally appropriate ways. As they mature by asking open-ended questions and providing information in response to the children’s ideas, insights, and concerns.
7. To encourage engagement in green living daily activities and weekly and seasonal projects.
8. To learn about building a sense of community and participate in community building projects within our group and alongside businesses, organizations and residents in Maplewood’s surrounding neighborhoods.
9. To receive a high quality early childhood education from respectful, caring, and thoughtful teachers.

 

For the parent:

1. To provide opportunities to meet with and work with other parents and teachers who have as their common concern the interests and needs of their children.
2. To provide care and an early education for the child while the parents pursue their own work or other interests.
3. To provide opportunities to grow in the understanding of child development.
4. To provide opportunities to learn about, share ideas and participate in green living and community giveback and social justice.

 

For the teacher and volunteer:

1. To provide opportunities to develop and grow in their professional development goals in the field of Early Childhood Education and Child Care.
2. To contribute to the ECE&CC field presenting at Early Childhood Education conferences, writing articles supplements for Maplewood newsletter and website and participating in local educator and child care provider networks.
3. To create a setting in which children will find warmth, comfort and gentleness as well as an abundance of opportunities for exploration, movement and self-discovery according to individual needs, interests and abilities.
4. To assist each child to grow to his or her fullest potential by recognizing each stage of development and by providing an environment designed to nurture and facilitate growth of each child, through nurturing staff, emergent curriculum and optimal facilities.
5. To help children achieve independence, self-discipline, social competence, strong self-esteem, enthusiasm for learning, intellectual growth and an organized approach to problem solving.
6. To assist parents in understanding the developmental stages of their child. This enables parents to contribute most effectively to the child’s growth and development.

 

For the community:

1. To help meet the needs of the community for an early childhood education and child care facility.
2. To contribute to the wholesome growth and development of the citizens of the community.
3. To enhance the role of the Maplewood as an integral part of the community.
4. To provide a setting where people of various backgrounds can work together.