Penelope's Place Childcare

Penelope’s Place supports children in developing kindness, curiosity, and confidence. I believe in expanding curiosity by promoting exploration of the world and supporting my children in trying new ideas. Kindness and empathy are recognized and modeled throughout each day. I join children in their curiosity as we investigate the wonder and mystery all around us.

The children in my care do not suffer from “Nature Deficiency Disorder”. We are outside every day for extended periods. We play in the dirt, catch bugs, and garden.  During neighborhood walks, we talk about plants, animals, weather, and seasons.

We read age-appropriate books, sing and do fingerplays daily. Early academics are integrated playfully as children’s’ interests expand.

Kindness and social skills are directly taught and appropriate skills are solicited in a variety of ways. Sharing, turn taking, and kindness are encouraged, with positive recognition and feedback. Inappropriate social interactions are used as teachable moments. With adult assistance, children “try again” to work positively with peers.   Aggressive behavior is not tolerated, and children are taught to use other strategies to communicate their wants and needs. Children are supported in verbally expressing reactions to objectionable peer behavior in a kind and respectful manner. Punishment is not used.

Children are natural scientists. They need ample unstructured time to experiment and explore. I provide time and opportunity to use sand and water to discover object permanency, volume, relativity, gravity, and physics. A variety of blocks and building activities are available daily.

Without adequate structure and predictability, children may become stressed and anxious. I provide consistent rules and a daily routine within which children are comfortable and confident in their ability to create and explore the world.

“Play is the highest form of work” according to Einstein. Children develop confidence and refine skills through their play. They need the freedom to invent original characters and play themes without corporate media input. Television, video games, and computers are not available at Penelope’s Place.

Children are growing fast, and need plenty of high quality, nutritious food for both physical and brain development. I serve three USDA-approved, complete meals and two snacks daily consisting of primarily organic whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, and high-quality protein foods.

It takes a whole village to raise a child, and the families at Penelope’s Place celebrate the growth and development of each child and family. We are on this joyous adventure together!