Program
The Growing Years program utilizes four specific methods to meet the Whole Child approach - Literacy, Play, Physical Activity, and Emotional Health.
We believe that the heart should be handled with care. To quote Aristotle: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
At The Growing Years, your child will be surrounded by respect, love, and education. They will be met and treated with warmth, helpfulness, and inclusion. You can trust that we are providing a safe, nurturing environment where they are respected and given all the tools and resources needed to grow!
Literacy
Literacy is one of the core goals of The Growing Years. We know reading early and often is important for brain growth, creativity, and intelligence. Read-aloud time with our children occurs as often as time allows, but at least twice - before circle time and before nap time.
Play
Research supports that play-based learning methods promote learning in children during their early years. Psychologist Jean Piaget‘s research identified the brain development of a child occurs naturally through play.
At The Growing Years, we thoughtfully construct our play centers with Open-Ended Toys and Loose Parts Play as a form of provocation and invitation. These methods help children develop creative and critical thinking skills by encouraging them to use their imagination and experiment with new ideas freely.
Physical Activity
Children need to be active. They need to move their bodies to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, improve balance, and build strong bones and muscles. The Growing Years recognizes this and ensures children can remain active during their day whether it's outside or inside.
Our mirrored wall engages children during yoga and dance. Our balance board, hopscotch activity mat, and other PE games make moving fun.
We will enjoy the outdoors as much as we can. Our Maine seasons have so much to offer and with the proper gear, TGY kids experience it all. The ability to expel energy, explore nature, and breathe fresh air is beneficial for their body, brain, and spirit.
The Growing Years leverages the outdoors as a third classroom where children can focus, be inspired, and learn. Our grounds are our natural classroom!
Emotional Health
The Growing Years supports emotional health with a positive, consistent approach. By providing guidance, encouragement, and praise to children in our care, we foster development and learning. Supporting children this way helps teach them how to express and manage “big feelings” appropriately.