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Philosophy

Phoebe A. Hearst Preschool Learning Center is a child-centered preschool, committed to the growth of each child in a caring environment that nurtures self-acceptance and exploration.

Our preschool environment is a testament to a belief in childhood:

• Our curriculum is a legacy of former director Rhoda Kellogg’s philosophy that children excel when given the opportunity to explore, experience, and express themselves through art. In addition to art, we offer music, dramatic play, story telling and active play.

• Our program blends supervised activities and self-initiated learning. Each classroom is designed to enhance the developmental learning levels of the children in the program. Indoor and outdoor activities encourage imagination and playful spirit.

• We respect autonomy in conflict and learning situations. Teachers are alert and ready to protect, counsel, and guide, but we believe that children learn to work out problems and conflicts on their own.
  We emphasize the process of learning rather than the product. We want to give each child the seed of confidence that grows with every success.

In addition, we encourage a partnership with parents:

• Parents are welcome to come and observe their children through observation rooms in each classroom.

• We conduct formal parent-teacher conferences once a year and are available at any time to discuss children and concerns.

• Parents <volunteer> at the school in a variety of ways.