TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Research demonstrates that children learn in a myriad of ways.  Our lives prove this to be true.  Several curriculum approaches and child development theories inspire and inform the words we use and the activities we plan:

• SPARK is dedicated to fostering children’s innate love of learning through playful exploration.

• We value the enrichment of the whole child: physical, social, emotional and cognitive.

• SPARK’s versatile model is tailored to each child’s unique needs and developmental pace.

• While play-based learning is at the heart of SPARK, our adaptable practice pulls from other philosophies, such as Reggio, Waldorf, and Montessori.

  • Reggio Emilia - Children have easy access to supplies and learning material, and are consistently inspired and encouraged to direct their own learning.

  • Waldorf - Educators nurture each child by providing gentle, yet sensory rich environments and play-based activities that encourage the young child to investigate the natural world, explore social relationships, and expand imaginative capacities.

  • Montessori - Children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and teachers offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process.

• Our holistic curriculum is rooted in a nurturing environment that inspires creativity and cultivates bright, healthy, happy children.