· Curriculum Philosophy

Our curriculum is based off Vygotsky’s scaffolding theory. Scaffolding consists of the activities provided by the educator, or more competent peer, to support the student as he or she is led through the zone of proximal development. Support is tapered off as it becomes unnecessary, much as a scaffold is removed from a building during construction. The student will then be able to complete the task again on his/ her own. A lot of people think about discovery learning when thinking about scaffolding, but discovery learning is an activity that is done by the child’s self. We set our classrooms up in a discovery learning environment, so the children have plenty to interact with and it helps the teacher create curricula that interest the children. The zone of proximal development is the difference between what a child can do on their own and what the child cannot do with help. The zone of proximal development is the skills that child has not quite mastered yet but is awfully close. The exact definition of ZPD is the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem-solving under adult guidance, or in collaboration with more capable peers.

· ASQ

The Ages & Stages Questionnaires^®, Third Edition (ASQ^®-3) is a developmental screening tool that pinpoints developmental progress in children between the ages of one month to 5 ½ years. Its success lies in its parent-centric approach and inherent ease-of-use—a combination that has made it the most widely used developmental screener across the globe.

Evidence shows that the earlier development is assessed—the greater the chance a child has to reach his or her potential. Learn more about ASQ-3: https://agesandstages.com/products-pricing/asq3/

· IMPACT

IMPACT builds a legacy of inclusion. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience in inclusive early learning and our comprehensive Birth-to-Three Early Intervention program. The IMPACTeam works with early learning providers in King County, providing the support and training they need to feel confident offering an inclusive classroom environment.

How IMPACT supports early learning.

IMPACT is designed to support early learning programs for children from birth to five years. The IMPACT program provides training and support so that early learning centers can welcome children with special needs who may need extra support throughout the day, such as children who:

• Have a special health care need

• Have physical, developmental, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns

• Are at an increased risk for one of those concerns

When we partner with an early learning provider, it’s truly a team approach. We take a holistic view of inclusive classroom strategies and supports while maintaining the philosophy and existing structures of our partners’ programs.

· Early Achievers

We participate in Early Achievers, Washington's quality rating and improvement system. This is a voluntary system, giving participating childcare professionals access to coaching, professional development and a tangible way to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care and education for young children.

· Auburn Church of the Nazarene

Luv-N-Care Childcare Center is a ministry of the Auburn Church of the Nazarene. For information regarding church activities, please contact Lynne Lande, the church secretary, at 253-833-5644, #1. During the Fall and Winter seasons, the church hosts “Soup and Bread Night” and during the summer they host a “Hotdog BBQ” and Vacation Bible School. These are open, free-of-charge, to the public, and, our childcare families are welcome to participate. Detail for these events, as well as all other church sponsored activities, will be posted in our lobby area.

· School age transportation (ASD)

We have an agreement with Auburn School Distract transportation to ensure that all children will be able to be picked up and dropped off at Luv-N-Care no matter what school they go to.