Our Philosophy

Learning is a natural and ongoing phenomenon, which emerges as we interact with and respond to our environment.  As young children play, they develop strategies and form relationships that enable them to create a world that makes sense.

 At Chelsea Children’s Cooperative Preschool, we believe it is our responsibility to provide multifaceted opportunities for children to explore, experiment, and grow in a safe, nurturing, and age appropriate arena.  We are committed to helping children:

• Develop and maintain a positive self-image

• Stimulate creativity and a personal interest and joy in learning and discovery

• Work toward self-sufficiency and independence

• Develop problem-solving skills

• Cultivate cooperative social skills with adults and peers in large and small group situations

• Improve coordination, balance, rhythm, strength, endurance, and body awareness as it relates to health, safety, and fitness issues

• Exercise self control

• Accept and respect others and their opinions

• Successfully communicate thoughts, feelings and ideas through language, art, music, and dance

• Become proficient and competent elementary school students from early exposure to educationally sound activities

• Explore early academic competencies necessary for later school success in math, science, social studies, reading, and writing

• Have fun and enjoy school

Research based studies maintain that parents are the first and ultimately the best and most influential teachers.  To this end, we are dedicated to providing services to our community within the context of the family.  Parents are provided opportunities and are encouraged to assist in many aspects of school development and operation.  Establishing a genuine partnership between children, parents, and teachers in an educational setting benefits everyone.

The Co-op’s philosophy, curriculum, and classroom practices are based on findings from professional resources and research in the field of early childhood development and education.  We continually evaluate and revise our practices to reflect what is currently known about children.

Valuing the family as a unit as well as the individuality and worth of each of its members is our philosophy and practical approach to preschool education.