Our Programs

All of the programs at Heart of the Shepherd Child Development have similar educational goals, value, and philosophy.  Children are provided many opportunities to manipulate a wide variety of materials as they work independently, in groups and with their teachers. Numerous open-ended activities and explorations invite children daily to observe, explore, investigate and experiment.  Each classroom has direct access to a large, natural play yard that becomes an extension of the classroom and allows for more self-discovery and exploration. 

Each day children are provided with time for free choices using a variety of materials and spaces. Some activities are teacher planned and guided, but each child chooses which activity, materials, or space he/she wishes to use. We strive to challenge and stimulate each child at his/her own developmental level and foster a positive self-image by accepting each child as an individual. The following elements are part of our regular program for the children:

Prayer/Christian Songs/Bible Stories   Large group/story time   Gross/Large Motor Development   Outdoor play as weather permits   Easel Painting   Self-help Art   Teacher directed/planned art activity   Small group/snack time with “family” group   Rest time for full-day children

 Program Goals:

Provide a safe, healthy, nurturing, positive Christian environment.   Respect each child’s individuality and God-given talents.   Promote the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development of all children.         Build relationships with families and respond to their individual needs.   Model Christ-like love and compassion

Curriculum Goals:

Children learn best through play, play is children’s work.   Planned work to emphasize the process rather than the product.   Use of hands-on materials for exploration and discovery   Christ-like love and Christian morals and values become true to life, they set the tone of the classroom.   Encourage reasoning, questioning, experimenting to enable children to learn from their world through the use of basic, open-ended materials such as water, sand, paint, blocks and clay.   Offer age appropriate schedules that balance free choice with structured time and active play time with quiet time.   Offer Language opportunities for learning effective and independent communication.