SKIP MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the South Kingstown Inclusionary Preschool to create a loving, nurturing and productive environment which respectfully embraces the value of each child, family, faculty member and community partner. We strive to build this environment through the celebration of diversity which exists not just in our school, but throughout our global community. We maintain high expectations for all children with the fundamental understanding that each child can learn given instruction which is built upon his or her unique strengths and learning style. By committing to putting the needs of children first, and to pooling our resources as needed, we are able to assist each child in reaching his or her full potential during these precious and important early years.
PHILOSOPHY
The South Kingstown Inclusionary Preschool is a place where children are provided with a wealth of experiences to encourage their intellectual, social-emotional, and physical growth. In this initial school experience, the teachers and staff provide a safe and nurturing environment structured to meet the developmental needs of the children. A focus on age appropriate social skills and a positive approach to learning is stressed throughout the preschool day.
The program provides children with enriched language experiences through a variety of planned activities and exploration of developmentally appropriate materials. The use of real life materials and experiences permeates the program. Content areas are integrated to support a thematic approach to learning. Early literacy and mathematical skills are interwoven throughout the curriculum. Varied opportunities for adult/child and child/child interactions are provided and facilitated.
Children learn naturally through play. The carefully planned classroom environment allows the children to interact, explore, and make new discoveries about themselves and their world. The program focuses on helping children learn the foundational skills for later learning. Children have many opportunities to make decisions and choices throughout their day as they progress through each stage of development.
Curricular decisions are determined by the integration of a number of theories of child development and early education such as the constructivist theory advocated by Piaget. In this way, children construct their own knowledge, must be actively engaged, and are intrinsically motivated to learn and make sense of the world within which they live. This perspective challenges the teacher to provide a rich and diverse environment with opportunities for investigation, exploration, formulation of questions and problem solving. Other theories which influence the design of our curriculum include those of Maslow (basic needs and learning), Erikson (emotions and learning), Vygotsky (social and learning), Gardner (multiple intelligences), Smilansky (play and learning), as well as research on learning, resiliency and
current brain research.
We believe in setting high expectations for all children. We are committed to inclusive education, where all children benefit from the interactions and insights of their peers. Our standards are based on the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards. We are influenced by the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s position statement of Developmentally Appropriate Practice which emphasizes age appropriateness, individual appropriateness, and social and cultural appropriateness.
Please click on the images above to visit the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards and NAEYC websites.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN INCLUSIONARY PRESCHOOL (S.K.I.P.)
EARNS NATIONAL NAEYC ACCREDITATION-
Program Among the Top in the Nation by Earning NAEYC Accreditation
The South Kingstown Inclusionary Preschool located in South Kingstown, RI has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.
"We are proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Ruth Gallucci, Early Childhood Coordinator. “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."
To earn NAEYC Accreditation, S.K.I.P. went through an extensive Self-Study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. The program received NAEYC Accreditation after a site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten program standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years.
In the 23 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. Almost 8,000 programs, serving one million young children, are currently accredited by NAEYC – approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs. “The NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for preschools, child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., executive director of NAEYC. “S.K.I.P.’s NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start.”
The NAEYC Accreditation system has set voluntary professional standards for programs for young children since 1985. In September 2006, the Association revised program standards and criteria to introduce a new level of quality, accountability, and service for parents and children in child care programs. The new standards today reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development. NAEYC is committed to utilizing the newest studies and analysis on positive child outcomes to ensure young children continue receiving the highest-quality care and education possible.
The NAEYC Accreditation system was created to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools, child care centers and other early education programs. To earn NAEYC Accreditation, a program must meet each of the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards. Programs are accredited by NAEYC for a five-year period.
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