Educational Philosophy
Since 1974, the goal of Poe-Co is to provide a developmentally appropriate nursery school program, which nurtures each child’s intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. Trained teachers and assistants structure the learning environment to support independent learning. Thoughtfully designed centers of concurrent activities provide children with a choice of learning opportunities and provide educators with ample teaching opportunities in our intimate classroom. Our curriculum is developmentally based and incorporates the principles of the Rice University School Literacy and Culture Project. Learning is fun. Our educators are sensitive to the developmental age, ability level, and interests of each child and they allow children the freedom and safety to learn the skills they need to be successful in school. Including the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) in the child’s school experience is integral to the program as school is seen as an extension of home.
Poe-Co is a cooperative preschool. It offers parents an opportunity to grow with their child and share experiences with other co-op members. Parental involvement in the direction and daily activities of the school is the basis for its success.
The child development approach to nursery school education includes assisting the child toward the following:
Recognizing her own capabilities and developing a positive self attitude about her capabilities and limitations.
Recognizing and expressing her own feelings.
Increasing her self-assurance in social relationships.
Finding acceptable outlets for emotions.
Fostering independence.
Experiencing success.
Developing a positive attitude toward school and learning.
Understanding and respecting the feelings and rights of others.
Exploring and expressing ideas through different media, i.e. art materials, music, movement, dramatic play, manipulative toys, puppets, etc.
Developing listening skills and attention span both on an individual basis and in groups.
Developing language skills through verbal expression, auditory skills, and language comprehension.
Increasing coordination of gross and fine motor muscles.
Increasing use of problem solving skills through analytical thinking.
Developing awareness and usage of the five senses.
Increasing experiences in a variety of areas: language arts, fine arts, math, science, etc.