Topanga Community Preschool

We believe part of the purpose during our limited time on this earth is to arrive at the fullest expression of ourselves. We view children as complex, emotional beings learning to make sense of the world, how to be a part of it, and express their unique abilities.

PROGRAM
Each day begins with Morning Meeting where teachers and children discuss their Plans, Problems, and Sharings. Children are at the center of their own learning process and make decisions about their day. By listening to the children and observing their play, teachers create plans that expand upon their interests as well as introducing new experiences.

Activities include gardening, exploring nature, caring for chickens and goats, art, science, cooking, storytelling, and dramatic play. Music is offered on Wednesdays by Jennifer Paskow.

EDUCATIONAL VALUES
We see ourselves as guides on the children’s incredible journey. Our approach is to foster tools that will help them along their way.

· A sense of connection is a precondition to learning. As teachers, our priority is to support children to establish their first nurturing relationships outside of the home and create an environment in which they feel belonging. Inspired by the work of psychologist Carl Rogers, we embrace the model of a positive adult/child relationship to embody non-judgment, positive regard, and authenticity.

· Conflict is an opportunity for children to gain valuable communication skills. With our guidance, children learn to safely express feelings, set limits, and learn to listen to others. Instead of using tools of a more traditional disciplinary approach, like rewards and punishments, we engage in conversations about our personal limits/boundaries. This helps lay the foundation for children to grow into individuals who respect themselves and others. At Topanga Community Preschool, children are supported in navigating the social dynamics of their peers to find ways of interacting that work for everyone. Through this process, we observe that deep, respectful relationships develop.

· Children learn about themselves in relation to others. Our preschool gives them the opportunity to explore their individuality as they interact with the various facets of peers and teachers. Amazingly, it’s the differences they encounter that really help them develop and understand who they are. Here is the place where they begin to acknowledge and embrace how different and similar we all are.

At our preschool, children are supported to initiate friendships and play. When this is happening in an environment where there is no shaming or guilt, a fundamental blueprint is established where children flourish. This isn't always an idyllic or easy process, but essential. Achieving a positive sense of identity is necessary for children to develop strength of character. This enables them to meet and move through the challenges of growing up in their own creative way.

·Young children are driven by curiosity. They need to explore, take risks, and learn through real life. These experiences support children to construct their own first hand-knowledge and meaningful conclusions about how things work. We trust children's desire to learn and want them to know they are at the center of their own learning process. As adults, we often have the impulse to push academics, but there is compelling research that shows formal instruction of academic concepts during the preschool years is not developmentally appropriate. Instead, we support each child to develop through a rich, experiential, age-appropriate learning process. Math, science, and pre-literacy concepts are imbedded in informal instruction and children’s play.



Our educational philosophy is informed by humanism, constructivism, and a wealth of research in the early childhood field.

We are specifically inspired by the work of Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, J. Krishnamurti, Osho, Alfie Kohn, Loris Malaguzzi, Patty Whipfler, Reggio Emilia, and Play Mountain Place.

We look forward to meeting you and your family, and are happy to answer any questions you might have.