Director's Preface
This parent handbook
has taken many different forms over the years. Each document is
annually critiqued to accomplish the goal of providing a substantiated
and comprehensive resource that documents the philosophical, scientific
and practical application of a developmental educational approach.
Our school is a model school for the developmental approach in education.
The Progressive Schoolhouse,
founded on a developmental approach in education twenty-two years
ago, continues to view the student's family as being an integral
part of the educational process. All students not only express themselves
as unique individuals, but also bring forth in trait, behavior and
autonomy that which can be generally defined as "family dynamic”,
learned behavior and experience outside of the school environment."
In understanding the complexity and importance of raising healthy
children, we cannot underestimate the importance of supporting the
value of healthy families. The developmental approach is a reputable
educational approach and offers viable tools in achieving the highest
ideals in education.
Since human development
can be assessed, observed and recorded, this field of study continues
to receive acclaim and recognition for its' updated scientific research
and documentation in support of children and their developmental
process. The developmental approach in education believes that students
should be validated, recognized and supported for their individual
needs in the learning process. This comprehensive approach caters,
directs and nurtures the emotional, cognitive, social and physical
needs of developing children. Our school's approach speaks to the
highest ideal in educating the "whole child" and believes
that its approach demonstrates on a practical level, an effective
way of mediating the diverse needs of its students; both academically
and developmentally.
Our school prides itself
in offering year round educational programs for children between
the ages of four and sixteen. Our model school operates with a maximum
enrollment of twenty-four students; (enrolled on a first come basis.)
The noticeable range of development and diversity of its students
causes even the casual observer to ask questions. Professionalism,
parent education, consultation, practicum and training are essential
components of any school program which caters to the growth and
development of healthy children and families. Our school requires
all participants; (students, staff, interns, student teachers, parents
and guardians,) to be responsive, communicative and enjoy the roles
they actualize with the students.
It's critical that the
continued success and reputation of our school reflects and favors
the application of ethics, knowledge and research that serve the
mission of our educational approach. Since this body of knowledge
can be broken down into varied topics of discussion, and tailored
to meet the needs of its audience, our intent in this parent handbook
is to represent the most common shared concerns of our parents,
namely discipline, communication skills, the school's professional
affiliations, roles and expectations, further explanation of educational
approach, program, leadership and vision for the continued development
of the school.
This handbook has incorporated a selection of books written by professional
educators and clinicians to help document the school's own mission
and approach. The information and interpretations found in each
section of related topic will in part summarize the author's work,
and hopefully inspire all of you to read more of the original text.
Although most of the practical application of this information can
be observed and modeled in the school environment, the educational
value and application of this information is appropriate and beneficial
for all families. Hopefully, the handbook will help parents provide
quality care and education for their children, so that they may
in turn develop to their fullest potential.
With loving concern,
Lori Tennant
Program Director
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