Who We AreTemple Emanuel Early Childhood Center (TEECC) is a constructivist education program, inspired by the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and our reform Jewish context.
At TEECC we seek to foster a spirit of community where children, families, and educators feel a strong sense of partnership and belonging. By building strong relationships within our community we believe children are given the support they need to explore, create, and research theories about the world around them; to learn and develop in joyful and meaningful ways.
Our image of the child: We see children as competent and capable citizens of our community, with rights instead of needs.
The role of the educator: We view ourselves as partners and co-learners with children, discovering the world and constructing knowledge together. Our role is to support, guide, observe, document, and scaffold learning through research and play.
The role of space and time: We design our spaces to be aesthetically beautiful, safe, engaging, and purposeful. The environment invites exploration, encourages relationships, and fosters communication. We allow learning and play to happen at an organic pace leaving time for observation, dialogue, reflection, and revisiting.
The role of materials: We recognize that verbal language is not always the preferred or primary way children communicate. A variety of open-ended materials offer children the opportunity to express ideas, test theories, and ask questions about the world around them.
The role of families: Parents and family members are viewed as advocates for their children and partners with educators. Their right to participate in our community is expected and supported in any modality.
The role of curriculum and documentation: Our curriculum centers on our values and aims to offer children the opportunity to create meaning of their world, themselves, and others. Children’s learning is documented through photos, video, and notation and shared as a tool for communication, reflection, and planning.
