Jacobs Ladder Learning Center

Statement of Philosophy

Erik Ericson's theories provide a helpful framework for understanding children's socio-emotional development.  Erikson defined eight stages of growth from infancy to old age.  At each stage people confront particular circumstances that must be addressed.  How these situations are handled determines how a person's personality and character are formed.

During the early childhood years, children deal with three of the eight stages of socio-emotional growth.  They learn:

• to trust people outside their families
• to gain independence and self-control
• to take initiative and assert themselves in socially acceptable ways.

 At Jacob's Ladder we nurture positive responses to these three stages.  The children feel safe and are encouraged to explore not only materials, but also their relationship with other children and adults.  They feel important and valued because others listen to them, seek out their ideas and allow them to express themselves.

The environment here encourages both autonomy and self-control.  Children learn to handle their feelings in acceptable, socially appropriate ways.  They are encouraged to make decisions for themselves, thereby experiencing a sense of control over certain aspects of their lives.  They learn that what they say and do is important and has an effect on others.

Within the framework of our philosophy and objectives, we include show and tell, stories, arts and crafts, cooking, finger plays, weekly music and creative movement classes, playtime, organized games, and field trips.  We are also members of the Scholastic Book Club which gives our students the opportunity to purchase books on a monthly basis if desired.