Five Principles of Whole Child Learning Approach
Is the Child Healthy?
The whole child approach advises that the best education curriculum addresses a child’s emotional, mental, physical, and social health.
At Pitter Patter we:
Introduce yoga, mindfulness and meditation into the daily schedule. The benefits include improved flexibility, balance, coordination, focus, body awareness, emotional regulation, stress management and promotes overall well-being.
Expose children to physical activities that are fun and age appropriate. Our campus sits on 3 acres and we organize community walks, outdoor PE, Zumba , Dance fitness, and organized sports.
Provide nutritious meals and snacks, in partnership with CACFP and USDA guidelines to support the health and nutrition of children and promote development of good eating habits.
Is the child Safe?
The Whole Child Approach focuses on creating a physically and emotionally safe environment which results in more academically engaged children.
At Pitter Patter we:
Nurture a child's sense of safety and belonging by creating supportive environment, harmonious relationships with peers and teachers, and a welcoming atmosphere, where every child feels valued.
Use comprehensive safety procedures including a safe key entrance system to create a physically secure environment. Our staff undergo background checks and receive regular training on emergency protocols. Low child-to-caregiver ratios are maintained to ensure close supervision.
Is the Child Engaged?
Children are engaged when they are actively attuned to their education and collaborate with their teachers to set goals, advance their abilities, and exercise their creativity.
At Pitter Patter we:
Use whole child curriculum to keep children engaged by incorporating hands-on learning experiences, play-based learning, and integrating sensory activities catering to various learning styles.
Foster a positive and supportive atmosphere where children feel encouraged to explore and express themselves.
Tailor lessons to interests allowing for collaborative projects to promote engagement and contributing to a dynamic and stimulating classroom that keeps children excited about learning.
Is the Child Supported?
The whole child approach aims to ensure the child isn’t only supported as a valuable member of the class but has support that accounts for his individual needs by personalized teaching and individualized attention.
At Pitter Patter we:
Strive to build strong family and community partnership with parents, rooted in the whole child learning approach.
In our family-style small-group setting, teachers form strong bonds with children, fostering attachment, trust, and sense of security.
To foster a feeling of family within our early childhood classrooms, we organize regular family events, encourage family involvement , and maintain open lines of communication.
Is the Child Challenged?
The Whole Child Approach encourages teachers to collaborate with families to define success for their child. The goal is to ask, “Is the child challenged to do his best work academically and socially?”
At Pitter Patter we:
Challenge and support each child’s growth in accordance with Virginia’s standards of learning and the Early Learning Developmental Standards (ELDS).
Offer Individualized Instruction, Play-Based Learning, Cognitive development, Language and literacy rich Environment, Social and Emotional Support, and assessments and Observation.
