Mission & Vision
Our Mission at the ECC
We aim to teach children the skills they need to deal with strong emotions, feel empathy towards others, understand perspectives, and problem solve to best prepare them for a life of learning.
Our Vision at the ECC
The Robert C. Wood Early Childhood Center Program believes in the “whole child” approach to education. We are dedicated to the development of the whole child; intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and personally.
We believe…
- students, families and schools should work together in ongoing partnerships
- families should be actively involved in their child’s education
- active learning is an essential component to the full development of the child
- safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environments provide lifelong learning experiences for children
What this means in practical terms:
- Subjects and skills are integrated within the daily routine, not taught separately.
- Learning takes place through active exploration and interaction with peers and materials.
- Activities are concrete, real and relevant.
- (For example, counting is taught while setting the table for family-style dining.)
- Balance of child-directed activities and teacher-directed instruction through small groups.
- Students are given choices in the areas where they would like to “work in.”
- Teachers are alert to students’ stress or frustration, and act quickly using problem solving techniques with the students.
- Teachers foster competence and interdependence in students.