Our Philosophy and Values

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The educational philosophy of Emerson is grounded in the belief that children's play, when skillfully supervised, is an expression of intelligence and growth.  Our teachers provide a play/work program, which while informal on the surface, is carefully organized and is enjoyable and absorbing for the children. The teachers' role is to guide the children's learning, matching activities with the children's specific interests and levels of development.

WE VALUE THE SOCIAL INDIVIDUAL . . .
Each child is unique and brings his/her own interests, abilities, and emotions to learning. Emerson respects and welcomes this and promotes cooperation through sharing with and listening to one another. The social nature of learning is valued and fostered for it is through shared relationships with others that children come to realize themselves.

WE VALUE THE COMPETENCE OF CHILDREN . . .
We know children to be creative, competent and active participants in their learning. They are curious explorers, experimenters and discoverers within their world. They experience their world through hands-on interaction with all their senses and learn through these experiences.

WE VALUE COLLABORATION . . .
A team of three teachers shares the teaching responsibility and program planning for each class. They are responsible for listening to and observing children closely and extending children's thinking during play. They nurture, ask questions, make ideas and connections visible through play, and in the process nourish a lifelong love of learning. Teachers continually share their experiences with one another so as to develop relevant projects that reflect the children's individual and collective interests. 

WE VALUE THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT . . .
The space and organization of Emerson is rich in potential. Independent and cooperative learning are fostered through learning centers that include materials for: dramatic play, sensory exploration, block and manipulative play, science discovery, math, art, reading and writing. Materials change regularly to reflect children's interests and promote inquiry and experimentation. Our playground occupies a woodland setting with a bridge over a small stream. There are swings, slides, climbers and a sandbox for outdoor daily play.

WE VALUE FAMILIES . . .
Emerson School's diversity and uniqueness result from the relationship among families, teachers and a volunteer Board of Directors. This partnership has been the essence of Emerson for more than 50 years and is the key to our continued success. This ensures open communication with families and provides opportunities for participation in many ways. We believe families have much to teach us about themselves and how their children learn. Our programs are diverse and include children of various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and different levels of development and ability.

WE VALUE QUALITY . . .
Our teachers have been awarded credentials by the State Of New Hampshire in Early Childhood Education and continually further their professional training. All Emerson teachers are certified in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid. Board members and teachers maintain a safe environment and ensure adherence to all state and local regulations. Emerson School is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

WE VALUE A DIVERSE COMMUNITY . . .
Through a dynamic and multicultural curriculum, Emerson respects individuality while encouraging connections with others. Our program includes children of all developmental levels and abilities and encourages families to share their cultures with the Emerson community.