Morning Star is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood Education. This is a theory centered around an emergent curriculum based on children’s interests and the use of natural materials. This Approach values the child as strong, capable, and resilient. The guiding principles are:

•  Children are capable of constructing their own learning.
• Children form an understanding of themselves and their place in the world through their interactions with others.
•  Children are communicators. This communication can take many forms such as writing, drawing, building, dancing, painting, sculpting, etc.
•   The teacher is a partner, nurturer and guide. The teacher’s role is to listen and observe children. They are there to ask questions, guide experiences, facilitate exploration of themes and to help children plan and proceed with their work.
•  Parents are partners in constructing knowledge. The participation of parents and families is essential to their child’s learning experience and is encouraged and appreciated.
•   The environment is the third teacher. The design and use of the space in the classroom encourage relationships, communication and provokes thought.

Documentation shows the children’s thoughts and learning. This is displayed through pictures, videos, and notes which detail the children’s progression of learning.

Our Curriculum

While holding on to the principles of Reggio Emilia, Morning Star’s teachers dedicate time to observing and discovering what children are curious about and then develop projects and experiences to extend their thinking. The projects emerge from questions that the children and/or teachers have and then the journey that takes place to answer those questions while forming new ones. This is done through provocations (learning opportunities) that are set up each day for children to explore while teachers guide and document the process of learning that takes place. Time is also allowed for skill development in each classroom as to hone abilities of children to achieve the class goals and objectives. At the end of a project, teachers display documentation panels that detail the phases of the project and learning through pictures and notes. This allows parents and families to know and see what their child has explored, and it helps teachers to know what goals and objectives were met along the way.

Throughout this process, teachers collaborate with a specially trained teacher, a Pedagogical Coach, as well as their colleague in the same age group, to discuss and develop ideas that are emerging within the classroom. Together they reflect on the current learning taking place and form plans for possible future learning experiences. Our Pedagogical Coaches play a major role in supporting our teachers and ensuring that children are gaining all that they can from their day to day experiences.

Atelier

Morning Star has an Atelier (art studio) that allows small groups of  children to create and further explore ideas that they are learning. Our Atelierista (art teacher) supports the work children do in the classroom and provides an opportunity for them to construct their unique ideas. We have both an indoor atelier and an outdoor studio where children are able to study nature and complete messier projects. 

Respect for All

Morning Star respects all backgrounds, languages, cultures, genders, abilities, religions, and family structures. We are proud to say that we have a wonderful diverse staff from many different backgrounds. Teachers work with families to incorporate their unique traditions, culture, and languages into the everyday activities of the classroom. Words in children’s native languages are displayed throughout their room. In December, we do activities that not only include Christmas, but also include other holidays celebrated during that time, including Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. In doing so, our center reflects the children and families we serve.

We strive to always be respectful and welcoming to all people and cultures. We involve the children in activities that help them learn about the community and the world in which they live. Parents and families are always encouraged to come share their cultures with the children whenever possible.