Our Philosophy
At Mustard Seed Preschool, we believe children learn by building on the knowledge they already have - primarily exhibited through play. Teachers help children learn by creating a rich environment to explore via exciting educational activities.
We believe that children construct their own knowledge. Teachers can then shape and build on that knowledge by discovering what children already know through observation, one-on-one conversation, clarification, and invitation to explore the world around them. At Mustard Seed, we provide a safe, stimulating environment for developmentally appropriate learning that encourages thinking, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork. At our school under the guidance of teachers, students feel free to do new things without worrying about making mistakes or having the right answers.
The Way We Teach
Children learn through age-appropriate play and hands-on experiences.
Mustard Seed is a place where children experience cognitive, social-emotional and physical development. Literacy, math, and science are all taught through free play, reading, story-telling, songs, rhymes, exploration, and experimentation. Children also learn and grow cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically through hands-on experiences guided by teachers in small groups both inside the classroom and outside in nature.
Kindergarten Readiness
Pre-K students at Mustard Seed are prepared to start Kindergarten by the time they finish the program. We facilitate learning at an age-appropriate level for our children and value the preschool experience as a unique learning stage.
At Mustard Seed, we teach at a preschool level, while preparing children to enter Kindergarten. This means we know that children need to learn while playing before they advance. Their bodies, brains and emotions need a chance to develop age-appropriately so that they can meet the academic challenges in the school years ahead.
Relationships with Children
Children feel valued and respected here. We model appropriate behaviors and help them to make appropriate choices.
Creating strong relationships with children is part of enabling them to feel confident, capable and respected. Since preschool may be a child’s first experience away from home, we strive to make each child feel as connected and safe as possible. Helping children on their path to social-emotional maturity requires our teachers to form strong attachments with all children. We teach by example, modeling everyday values and behaviors.
These values are also part of our guidance (discipline) philosophy. When children trust their teachers, they listen to them and learn to base their behavior choices on those of their teachers.
Volunteers
In order to provide low-cost early childhood education, we rely on volunteers to help out however possible.
We love and welcome all volunteers! Everyone brings a different gift and skill into our community and we love having the ability to foster that connection. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.
