Early Learning Center Philosophy

Gethsemane Early Learning Center is a Christ-centered program. Learning experiences are taught from the Christian perspective that each child is a child of God and that all people are deserving of respect as creatures of God. In accordance with this philosophy, we include prayer, worship, Bible stories and teachings, and service to others.

It is the philosophy of Gethsemane Early Learning Center that young children learn most effectively when they have the opportunity to explore their environment and experience a variety of materials and situations. Gethsemane also believes in a developmental approach to early childhood learning, which emphasizes that each child develops at his/her own rate and that progress is measured individually, rather than in comparisons to other children in the group.

Gethsemane Early Learning Center recognizes that the development of the whole child requires exploration across a wide range of learning activities. Thematic units allow the young child to experience and organize those activities in an interdisciplinary approach. The following are provided to meet those needs:

Cognitive Development	Large Muscle Development	Imaginative Play	Science Exploration
Puzzles Manipulatives Books Computer Patterning blocks Sequencing games Blocks	Gym time Balls Jump ropes Bean bags Slides Dancing Outside play	Dramatic Play Stories Show & Tell Puppets Flannel stories Art Center Musical Instruments	Sensory Table Discovery Center Daily Living Center Weather station Calendar

The daily schedule at Gethsemane Early Learning Center includes:

• welcome and attendance
• self-directed (choice) activities
• circle time (theme introduction, calendar, weather, Jesus time)
• large muscle activities (outside/gym)
• theme unit activities
• story time and/or other language development activities

Class Options

Class	Age	Time		Days
Caterpillars	3/4 year old	AM	8:45-11:30	T/Th
Caterpillars	3/4 year old	AM	8:45-11:30	M/W/F
Butterflies	4/5 year old	AM	8:45-11:30
			3 day option	M/W/F
			4 day option	M/T/W/Th
			5 day option	M-F
Butterflies	4/5 year old	PM	12:30-3:00	M/T/W/Th

Supplemental Options

Class	Age	Time		Days
Busy Bees	3/4/5 year olds		11:30-3:00	M-F
Extended Day Care	7:00-8:45 AM and/or 3:00-5:30 PM			M-F