Mission Statement and Philosophy
The Grinnell College Preschool is a research laboratory for students and faculty that provides a learning environment that supports children to develop skills necessary to construct their own knowledge, prepare them for their next school environment and encourage them to become life-long learners.
The Grinnell College Preschool program uses keeps current with best practices in early childhood. The program uses Developmentally Appropriate Practices to provide a rich learning environment that encourages children's natural curiosity and supports them to take risks that lead to new skill development. Grinnell College preschool has a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where children feel safe, respected and cared for. Children will take part in planned, active learning experiences to build their readiness skills. Children will participate in activities that build community and support respect for diversity. The program also supports the relationship between children, their families and the preschool staff.
The program provides an innovative curriculum with materials, experiences and teaching methods and strategies that are grounded in the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) principles of child development, including age and individual appropriateness.
All learning activities are presented through play. These activities engage the children so they can explore, experiment, imitate, ask questions and be questioned to further their thinking and problem solving skills.
Goals for Children
Grinnell College Preschool will provide interactions and experiences to help children:
- develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively;
- develop language skills;
- develop problem solving skills;
- develop conflict resolution skills;
- learn to be a member of the preschool community.
Goals for Families
- families will feel welcome in the classroom
- families will partner with preschool to help their children develop readiness skills
- families will advocate for their children
For additional information contact: Karen Veerhusen-Langerud at veerhuse@grinnell.edu or (641) 269-3320; 1022 Park Street, Grinnell, IA 50112.
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