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Educational Philosophy
The UM-Dearborn ECEC program is designed to education the whole child physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, linguistically and aesthetically. It is based upon the research of leading psychologists and educators such as Piaget, Erikson and Vygotsky. The program utilizes the long-term arts based project approach as adapted from the Reggio Emilia inspired approach to early childhood education. The program addresses the needs of the developing child and provides many educational opportunities. These opportunities stimulate children as they learn at their own rate and pace as they construct their own knowledge, think critically, solve problems and make decisions. The program provides many opportunities for children 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.
The Center staff strives to create a responsive, relaxed, happy and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. Our program is characterized by positive, warm, accepting attitudes toward children of all races, cultures and creeds. Children's learning styles and processes are valued and respected.
Certain regular periods of each day emphasize opportunities for self-initiated and spontaneous types of play. Other time periods offer teacher-directed group activities which the children are encouraged, but never forced, to join. Other parts of the schedule involve regular daily routines such as snack time, clean up time, lunch/rest time, etc. The Center considers every segment of the day to be important in the total program, each offering the children unique opportunities for growth and learning.
We encourage you to click on the link below to read selected articles about Reggio Emilia and the Early Childhood Education Center:
