PHILOSOPHY

Our Philosophy
Research shows that play is the most natural vehicle for childhood learning. At NDLCP we focus on creating a play-based environment for our students. Through developmentally appropriate opportunities for play, children are totally engaged in the learning process. In this way, we prepare your child for school and a lifetime of learning. 
  • We increase each child’s security and self esteem.
  • We promote spiritual, physical, emotional, social, intellectual, linguistic and artistic development.
  • We provide an enriching environment which allows each child to develop his or her sense of wonder and curiosity.
Our Curriculum

Social skills promote language development around the sensory table

Social skills promote language development around the sensory table

It is evident that through children’s natural ability to play that they acquire academic skills but more important is that they are acquiring specific foundational skills, such as executive functions. It takes time to develop control of multiple cognitive skills and to be able to orchestrate them, “these skills are what you need when you have to concentrate, to use what you already know, and to problem solve” (Penn State Extension, 2012).
We also recognize a child’s right to play, “The child shall have full opportunity for play and recreation, which should be directed to the same purposes as education; society and the public authorities shall endeavor to promote the enjoyment of this right” (United Nations, 1959). 
In a 2009 study, psychologist David Elkind (as cited in MIller & Almon, 2009, p. 51) says, “play has to be re-framed and seen not as an opposite to work but rather as a complement” and “curiosity, imagination, and creativity are like muscles, if you don’t use them you lose them. ” This is echoed by the authors of “Tools of the Mind” curriculum, “Play does not compete with foundational skills: through mature play, children learn the very foundational skills that will prepare them for the academic challenges that lie ahead” (Bodrova & Leons, 2003, p.7).
Click here to read a LA Times Article on Play.