The foundation of my philosophy stems from the work of Magda Gerber.  The Educaring®  Approach that she developed is based on putting respect into action to help raise authentic humans.  For more information on Magda Gerber's Educaring® Approach, classes (for parents and professionals), please visit rie.org.  I consider my program to be inspired by the Educaring®  Approach.   

I also recognize the positive attributes of many theories of education.  I continue to be inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf for their aesthetically pleasing physical environments. 

Negotiations within the context of healthy relationships are the heart of human experience.
 
In my practice with young children I observed that I spent majority of my time negotiating with children regarding their needs, wants and interests.  Sometimes these negotiations included discussions of appropriate choices and conflict resolutions.  Other times it involved allowing children to implement their plans, reflect on the outcomes, and build on previous strategies.

My practice embraces a play-based curriculum that focuses on kinesthetic experiences, positive guidance strategies, family style meals,  and developmentally appropriate play spaces.  More importantly, I have written plans for how we help crying children, guide children, support freedom of movement, and minimize interruptions to play.  
 
 Home visits enable me to connect with families in their home environments and provide customized support through dialogue and research-based information.  Bernice Weissbourd, an educator and an activist, once said, "Parents need all the help they can get. The strongest as well as the most fragile family requires a vital network of social supports."  Home visits are one way that I provide this support.
 
I write Learning Stories of children's play experiences to celebrate the growth and development of children and families.  Additionally, writing Learning Stories gives me opportunities as an educator to reflect on my own practices with young children and fine-tune my daily practice. 

Click below and read about my intentional practices with young children.