Guiding Principles
Respect
Positive teacher-child relationships are built on the respect the teacher has for the child. Little Leprechaun teachers demonstrate respect for the individuality and humanity of all the children in their care, respect for the developmental journey of the child, and respect for the family and cultural backgrounds of each child.
Model
Little Leprechaun teachers serve as important models for the children in terms of demonstrating respect for other people, exhibiting curiosity in the world around them, cooperating with other staff members (and children), using appropriate language when expressing ideas and feelings and in communication with other people.
Respond to Children’s Interests
Quality educational curriculum should emerge from the interests of the children.Little Leprechaun teachers spend time observing and interacting with children, making note of the interests that are being expressed in their play and activities, and then planning the environment and activities based on these interests.
Scaffold Children’s Activities
Young children often want to accomplish tasks in their environment that they don’t quite have the ability to carry out. Our teachers understand the importance of supporting children in their efforts to carry out their goals and intentions and providing “just enough†support for the child to accomplish her goal. Teachers are watching for the opportunity to move children from acting with support to independent behavior.
Observe and Document Children's Activities in all Realms
It is a priority that our teachers spend time observing children's activity in order to understand the interests, needs, and capabilities of the individual child so that we may best respond to those needs. Documenting children's efforts and activities through anecdotal notes, running records, and photographs are important ways of reflecting on the child's development and communicating with parents about the daily experiences of their child.