Begin the Journey of a Lifetime
“Children are born with all the curiosity they will ever need. It will last a lifetime if they are fed upon a daily diet of ideas.”
– Charlotte Mason
At San Luis Obispo Classical Academy, we believe that the early years of childhood can be the beginning of a wonderful learning journey full of enjoyment, beauty, wonder, and wisdom. Infants and toddlers are beginning to explore the world around them cognitively and physically. When they are offered a loving community and thoughtful guidance, they build a foundation that lasts a lifetime.
Committed to fostering children’s natural love of learning throughout childhood, we begin by offering a wonder-filled experience for our tiniest wonders.
At this level, infants and toddlers rely on adults to meet most of their needs while also learning through their own experiences. The teachers are there to guide and support while providing a safe and emotionally supportive environment. This is done by providing stimulating activities woven throughout our rich, daily routine. We see even a simple task like a diaper change as an opportunity to have some one-on-one time, make eye contact, introduce language, create a relationship, and even sing a song.
philosophy
Tiny Wonders is an RIE inspired program (Resources for Infant Educarers). We incorporate RIE philosophy and teaching into our curriculum and classroom experiences.
We turn to Magda Gerber’s philosophy of respecting and trusting in the child as an initiator, explorer, and self learner. Gerber encouraged parents and providers to strive to provide the following: an environment that is physically safe, cognitively challenging, and emotionally nurturing; time for uninterrupted play and freedom to explore and interact with other children; the child’s involvement in all care activities, allowing the child to become an active participant rather than passive recipient; sensitive observation of the child in order to understand their needs; and consistent, clearly defined limits and expectations to develop discipline.
Program Highlights
environment
We provide an open, beautiful, inviting environment that promotes a sense of security and invites children to explore the world around them. We provide time daily for all children to observe, explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors. Our intentional classroom layouts also foster development and plenty of play. Our classroom environment and interactions accommodate the varied ages and ever-changing needs of the group.
families matter
The relationship between children, educators and parents in Tiny Wonders is valued as one of the most important components of our program. Teachers partner closely with parents, build relationships with the children and communicate daily, weekly and throughout the year about the needs of each child as an individual. We also address parenting questions as they arise and provide support and resources.
adult:child ratios
Tiny Wonders adheres to the ratios required by state licensing so each of our tiny wonders receive the highest care and attention we can provide. We maintain a minimum of one adult to four children in our infant classrooms and one adult to six children in our toddler classrooms.
literature
We love books! Fostering a love of literature that spans your child’s lifetime is an ever-present priority throughout our school. This is achieved by exposing children to quality picture books, delightful illustrations and interactive reading experiences.
For preschool to kindergarten, learn about our little wonders program
“Babies are whole people—sentient, aware, intuitive and communicative. They are natural learners, explorers and scientists able to test hypotheses, solve problems and understand language and abstract ideas.”
—Janet Lansbury
TIME TO CHECK OUT THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF THINGS?
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