AGAPE PHILOSOPHY

MISSION STATEMENT

Agape Learning Centre mission is to provide a secure, nurturing, loving and stimulating environment that encourages and promotes developmental growth in all areas of learning so that children may develop to his or her fullest potential at his or her own pace. Our programs form a bridge between the home, school and the community. We are committed to providing the highest quality childcare, early education and life skills in our community.

PHILOSOPHY

Learning Through Play

Agape Day care believes that an early educational program will nurture and enhance each child’s social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional and spiritual needs. Each child, regardless of ability, will have opportunities to learn, create and explore in a loving and safe environment. We further believe that these goals are best met in a centre that:

• Is a non-profit society so it has no motive for operation other than the best interests of child, family and staff

• Hires staff that have Early Childhood Education Training

• Provides 2/3 of the child’s daily nutritional requirements as prescribed in the Canada Food Guide

• Requires parents’ active participation in the operation of the program

• Provides a Christian environment, giving the children opportunities to hear bible stories, sing Christian songs and say grace.

Values staff who enhances their skills through updated and current staff training in the Early Childhood field or related training

Our ultimate goal is to provide a Christian environment where we can meet the needs of the whole child in every aspect of development - physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

The hours are 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Kindergarten hours are 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Ages of Daycare children are 13 month to 6 years.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES PHILOSOPHY

(From Alberta Education's document Philosophy, Goals & Program Dimensions)

The Child:

- is a unique individual with abilities which are different from other children

- the dignity and worth of each child must be respected and enhanced

- play is essential to children's learning

- at any given time, each child is developing physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially and creatively. All of these areas are related to and dependent upon one another and are of equal importance in the child's development

- parents and society should provide opportunities for children to develop their abilities to their fullest potential

- a child whose needs have been adequately met is more likely to develop into a healthy, responsible and secure person

- the child has a natural curiosity that, in an appropriate environment, results in an eagerness to learn. Providing opportunities that stimulate this curiosity is important.

-The handicapped child has the same developmental needs as other children, as well as needs which are a direct or indirect result of this exceptionality.

The family, staff and community are also important in the planning and implementation of the ECS program.