The following concepts and attitudes are stressed as part of Bright Beginnings Childcare Services’ total program.

Self Esteem and Positive Image:
Teachers are in a position to observe self-value and do something about it. The following phrases help children develop self-identity and view themselves as having competence and worth. Teachers use them often. “You’re doing that much better today!”, “You did it that time, Great!”. “Wow!” “Nice going!”, “You’re special”, “Keep trying” Daily opportunities include providing art projects geared to the child’s development level, praise for a job well done and acceptance of a child for what he/she really is, not what we want them to be. Teachers provide experiences geared to the developmental level of their children in order to realize success, and confidence in themselves.

Social Interaction:
Bright Beginnings Childcare Services, Inc. realizes the importance of interaction between a child and his/her peers. This is a prime importance in the realization of who he/she is and how they fit into our world in relationship to others. Opportunities include the use of the housekeeping corner, block areas, table activities, outside play, eating experiences, team work on the computer and teacher/children conversation.

Self Expression and Communication Skills:
The language arts are a part of daily living and are functional in every activity and experience at Bright Beginnings Childcare Services, Inc. Our teachers serve as role models as far as using grammatically correct speech patterns and developing fluency and naturalness in expression. Opportunities for many experiences will introduce new words and provide the children with something to talk about. The children learn to talk freely and easily, to listen courteously and to use socially acceptable phrases. Examples include the encouragement to use phrases such as “Thank-You”, “Excuse Me” and “I’m Sorry”. Introducing new songs that enhance vocabulary development, role-playing activities, flannel board activities etc. are additional communication activities experienced.

Creative Expression:
To foster creativity in children, the teacher must be an adequate, fully functioning person. Creativity is not limited to just art and music. It’s the whole program that Bright Beginnings provides that help foster this. The creative part of children develops gradually and grows by meeting problems and situations, recognizing them and being able to solve or face them successfully. Experiences in art, music, movement, and other activities at Bright Beginnings contribute to the development of creativity in the children. Other opportunities include puzzles, clay modeling, easel and finger painting, pasting, cutting, tearing, etc.

Large and Small Muscle Development:
In planning for and selecting the physical facilities, equipment and materials for any age group, consideration is given to what the children are like, their nature and needs and how they learn. Recognition must be given to the fact that children are alike yet different. The physical facilities should be functional for the development of the children at their maturity level and should be selected to allow for a wide range of abilities and growth patterns. Bright Beginnings provides areas for children to play with blocks and crafts, housekeeping areas, manipulative toys, equipment for large muscle activities both indoors and outdoors including sand and water play areas.

Intellectual Growth:
Our program is carefully planned with the recognition that children have a right to learn what is taught; to learn whatever is necessary to keep that which will enlarge or enrich their human experiences. The activities children experience at Bright Beginnings aide them in feeling worthy, respected, capable and competent as well as giving them the opportunity to gain desirable skills. Experiences range from simple to complex at the various levels of maturity including activities with storytelling, singing, social play, individual play, structured concepts, etc.

Cultural Diversity
Every child is exceptional and unique. Every effort is made to include activities and experiences that assure an enriched environment. These include pictures of children and adults from other cultures, experiencing traditional foods and games of other countries and helping the children realize that other children speak different languages. This can be realized by listening to tapes and songs in another language other than our own. We emphasize that difference in skin color, religion, food preferences and mode of dress don’t set us apart, but rather enhance our way of living. Our differences make us special. Holidays, pictures, as well as weekly themes provide this opportunity to stress the value of “noticing and appreciating” differences in each of us.