Our Philosophy

The Children’s College is safe, healthy, and nurturing.  I have created an environment that is designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.  A place that promises to give a child the support, love, and respect that they need.

The word teach tends to imply telling or giving information, here teachers are more like guides or facilitators.  They prepare the environment so that it provides stimulating, challenging materials and activities for your child.  Then through close observation, the teachers will see what is understood and from there pose additional challenges to push your child’s thinking further.  This developmentally appropriate curriculum is seen through all the age groups. My staff and I will adapt to changing situations, accept constructive feedback and implement appropriate actions according to your child.

I think that every person needs four things present in their life; a sense of belonging, respect, freedom and fun.  If one of these four things is not present at any given time a person, especially a child, won’t feel safe and therefore will not be able to perform to their fullest potential.  A child needs to have fun.  They need to feel that they belong.  To gain respect, a child has to have the freedom of choice and they need to know that they are being listened to.  When all of these are present, then the child will feel safe and secure.

I believe that to get the respect of the children, you first need to respect them and their needs. The children look to the teacher to set the tone for caring and learning and they copy what we do.  If we listen to them they listen to each other.  If we validate, support, encourage, and celebrate what they do, they will do the same for each other.

I firmly believe that children will rise to our expectations.  This calls for a great deal of commitment and responsibility I believe that this is needed to make a positive difference in the lives of children I teach.  Through routines, procedures and attitudes, a trust is developed between the teacher and the student.   Everyone needs to feel they belong; each child needs to be a part of the class.   This feeling of belonging deepens as we share what is important in our lives.  As a class, we will learn together and take responsibility for what happens.

Tonya Sarkinen
Director of The Children’s College