"Just Playing"

By Anita Wadley

Gateways to Learning

Edmond Oklahoma

 

When I’m building in the block room.

Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”

For you see. I’m learning as I play.

About balance and shapes.

Who knows.  I may be an architect someday.

 

When I’m getting all dressed up.

Setting the table.  Caring for the babies.

Don’t get the idea I’m “Just Playing.”

For you see.  I’m learning as I play.

I may be a mother or father someday.

 

When you see me up to my elbows in paint.

Or standing at an easel.  Or molding and shaping clay.

Please don’t let me hear you say.  “He is just Playing.”

For you see.  I’m learning as I play.

I may be a teacher someday.

 

When you see me cooking or tasting foods.

Please don’t think that because I enjoy it.  It is “Just Play.”

I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.

I may be a cook someday.

 

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body.

Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”

For as you see.  I’m learning as I play.

I’m learning how my body works.

I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.

 

When you ask me what I’ve done at school today.

And I say,  “I just Played.”

Please don’t misunderstand me.

For you see.  I’m learning as I play.  I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.

I’m preparing for tomorrow.

Today I am a child and my work is play.

About CLDN…

 

"In 1930, Civic League Day Nursery opened its doors to 12 children with the goal of providing a safe, nurturing environment for the children of working parents.  Plenty has happened since those early years.  Rochester has grown and so have we.  We’re the oldest child care facility in Rochester, caring for more than 200 children at three centers.  Yet our philosophy remains unchanged.  Children are greeted when they arrive and welcomed into the small groups where they learn, laugh and play each day."

 

Come visit us…

 

"The children and families who make up Civic League Day Nursery come from diverse economic, religious and ethnic backgrounds.  We reflect the greater community and its richness.  Our hours meet the needs and schedules of working parents and college students."

 

"We are connected to the community in many ways:  through United Way, schools, social services, health care providers, Head Start and others.  High school college students volunteer to work with the children.  Foster grandparents visit weekly.  Children learn from each other and people in our community."

 

"Your child’s time with us each day is valuable.  We treat it that way.  Our skilled teachers, many who have decades of experience, are trained in the care and teaching of your children.  Each teacher team plans their weekly activities focusing on a theme.  The planned daily schedule guides the activities but flexibility and spontaneity are encouraged.  The program is similar to a nursery school program and is planned for the enrichment of the children’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth and development.  The children call it fun." 

 

"Smiles at the end of the day and warm hugs tell us it works."

 

Each center is distinct…

 

"All three centers have our hallmark:  a low child-to-teacher ratio and a philosophy of learning through play."

 

"Our southwest center is the historic Balfour House.  Renovated to meet safety standards, it has retained the feel of the wonderful old home that it is.  Children explore the many different rooms during their daily activities, such as active play or music.  Outdoors, they enjoy large, fenced-in play areas behind the house.  We offer care for children from 30 months through kindergarten." -Deb

 

"Our southeast center is located on the main campus of the University Center.  We enjoy the benefits and support of being connected to a campus of higher learning.  We accommodate the schedules of college students, faculty and working parents.  The bright, modern facility was built specifically for childcare and is home to a diverse little family.  We offer care for children ages 2-5." 

 -Rochele

 

"Our northwest center is also like a family.  Offering care for children from six weeks through kindergarten, it isn’t uncommon to have several siblings attending in different age groups.  Our daily schedules are complemented by enrichment programs that include music, visits from the Rochester Public Library’s Bookmobile and community volunteers."   -Mary Ann

 

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THE PEOPLE

• Qualified teachers trained in early childhood education who meet continuing education requirements
• Teachers with years of experience in our centers
• Low children to staff ratios

 THE PLACE

• Three convenient Rochester locations
• Large, fenced play yards
• Safe indoor and outdoor equipment
• Well-rounded meals and snacks that meet Minnesota Food Program guidelines.

THE PLAN

• Developmentally and age appropriate groupings of children
• Individually-paced learning through play
• Blend of cognitive and creative activities
• Carefully planned, balanced daily schedule
• Enrichment: field trips, demonstrations, explorations

Philosophy

Civic League Day Nursery has been caring for children since 1930, when it was founded to meet the needs of working parents.

We believe that children need a safe, healthy and loving environment where they can learn by discovering life for themselves.  Adults should gently guide children through this ongoing process by filling each day with stimulating experiences and opportunities for interpersonal relationships.  Building a positive self-image is essential to a child's sense of well-being.  The ability to develop trusting  relationships with other adults, play happily and independently with their peers and take responsibility for themselves should be encouraged.  Children thrive in small groups with sufficient well-trained staff to give individual attention in an atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable and satisfying.  A carefully planned, developmentally appropriate, daily program helps the children develop to their full potential.

A mutually supportive partnership between the families and the staff should be nurtured and maintained.

Cooperation with community agencies, e.g. United Way, schools, social services, health providers, Headstart, is stressed in order to utilize all available services.

Dependable financial support must be maintained so that we can care for children from all economic levels.