About Us

What We Believe

We believe young children learn by doing!

This belief is supported by works of Piaget (1950-1972), Eriksson (1950) and other child development theorists and researchers. Learning is a complex process that results from the interaction of children’s own thinking and their experiences in the external world. Children acquire knowledge about the physical and social worlds in which they live through playful interaction with objects and people (1). Stemming from these findings, and in accordance with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Bethlehem Children’s Center provides a variety of developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities for children to achieve these goals:

Goals

Foster positive self-concept
Develop social skills
Enhance physical development
Encourage children to think, reason, question and experiment
Encourage language and literacy development
Encourage sound health, safety and nutritional practices
Respect cultural diversity (2)

We believe teachers act as guides and facilitators in achieving these goals.

The Curriculum Supports our Goals

Preparing
Responsive Environments
for Preschoolers &
Transitional Kindergartners

Integrated Thematic Curriculum
The teachers provide a variety of developmentally appropriate activities based on common themes that change throughout the year. These activities are then arranged into learning centers. Through the use of blocks, manipulatives, and art tools, your child will develop his/her fine motor skills. Songs, poems, and literature will offer your child the opportunity to further develop his/her (oral) language skills. Large and small group activities will help your child gain an awareness of themselves and their place within the group. Our curriculum is designed to promote the maximum amount of growth and development for your child.The curriculum can best be described as a web; the threads of language arts, reading, dramatic play, science, math, manipulative's, and music are woven together with ideas and concepts intersecting and overlapping to form an intricate web of knowledge and experience for your child.

Play Based Curriculum
for Infants & Toddlers

Safe & Sound
Our desire is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where parents can feel good about leaving their children. Our goals for the children are to provide a play based curriculum, inspired by sound child development principals. Respect for the child, positive guidance, and based on the emerging physical, cognitive, and social/emotional abilities of the child.
A position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children 1990 (1). Early Childhood Classroom Observation - National Academy of Early Childhood Programs 1991 (2).

Encouraging children to think, reason,
question & experiment

Guiding a child's emerging abilities

Time with God

Each week, the Special Kindergartner will light the candle in Chapel! We believe when Christian teachers interact with the children at the Center, the power, love and joy of God’s spirit is with them pervading all areas of growth and development. We present an awareness and understanding of God’s love through simple Bible story times and songs that enhance and creatively portray this gospel which is the foundation of our ministry and life together. On Wednesday mornings, the Pastor and Directors meet with the three year old, four year old and transitional kindergarten classes in Chapel to sing and listen to Bible stories. Parents are welcome to attend at anytime.

Pro Diversity Philosophy

Christ has commanded us to Love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12) Following these instructions, and Paul’s reminder that God shows no partiality, (Acts 10:34) here at Bethlehem, we promote a pro-diversity philosophy. Our environments are set up to reflect and celebrate individuals and their families. Diverse dolls, food, clothing, fabrics, music, housing and books are introduced in a natural and relaxed setting. Awareness and acceptance of all types of abilities and cultures are shared through pictures, visitations and contextual conversations. Bias and prejudice begin at an early age. Children pick up on looks, changes in voice inflection and body language. As a staff, we are constantly having to face our own bias' thus being careful not to teach them to a child. Teacher in-service, classes, informational articles and prayer prepare us to make sure we present all people as being part of God’s beloved family. Family, Church and community are resources that continually help us to marvel at the diversity of God's world.