At Sunflower, we believe that when educators, parents, the community work as partners with the children and the environment, we see learning happen. We strive to build trusting relationships with each family where open communication is valued.
We are guided by Loris Mallaguzzi`s words: “Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning how to learn.“
Our goal is to offer a safe, calm and happy environment where children can grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. We believe:
- Every child is unique and complex.
- Every child is beautiful inside and outside just for being a child.
- Every child has an infinite number of questions.
- Every child brings into the society their own world, as we all do: experiences, culture, feelings, hopes and dreams.
- Every child is unpredictable, curious. He or she is willing to find out new things all the time.
- Every child has the force to try and engage to discover.
Children are encouraged to work together, to negotiate, and to problem solve, promoting group membership and feelings of self-worth. Confidence and self-esteem grows as children will be treated with respect and valued as individuals. Teachers offer support and guidance, they present challenges to provoke natural curiosity and stimulate learning.
Inspired by the Reggio Approach to early learning we build our program and curriculum from the talk of the children, building upon the interests of the children, from the events and daily life of the family and community. We believe in education based on interrelationships. We believe in a network of communication that exists between the children,parents and teachers. These three protagonists work together to create the spirit of co-operation, collaboration, and co-construction of knowledge. They work together interacting toward a common purpose; the building of a culture which respects childhood as a time to explore, create and be joyful.
Sunflower Early Learning Society 