1. School Mission
At Richard Tufenkian Pre-School, the mission of the teaching staff and administration is to provide a high quality early childhood education program by following these ethical codes:
- Ensure that the program is based on current knowledge of child development and early childhood education.
- Serve as adovates for children.
- Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children.
- Maintain high standards of professional conduct.
- Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others.
- Continue to learn, grow and contribute as a professional.
- Provide children with a rich Armenian environment and education.
2. Program Philosophy
The years of early childhood are the most ciritcal in the lives of children. The experiences they have greatly affect their later development and behavior.
We Believe...
- Each student is an individual who deserves to be respected and appreciated for his/her own unique character.
- The cultural values of each child and his/her family should be recognized and cherished.
- Each child must feel warmth, security and empowerment while learning.
- Each child should be given opportunities to grow and learn in all areas of development: Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Language.
- Each child's unique abilities and interests shouldb e considered when planning curriculum activities.
3. Program Curriculum
The curriculum goals and objectives are to provide children with the following developmentally appropriate classroom and playground learning experiences:
Language Art Skills: Children acqure pre-reading skills in both Armenian and English languages.
Cognitive Skills: Children acquire concepts in mathematics, science, social studies, health, and other academic areas.
Aesthetic Skills: Children have daily opprtunities for aesthetic expression and appreciation through art and music.
Social Skills: Children are provided many opportunities to develop social skills such as cooperating, helping and negotiating.
Gross Motor Skills: Children have daily opportunites to use large muscles by running, jumping, and balancing.
4. Quality of Staff
Teachers and teacher assistants are experienced and have exceeded the Early Childhood Education State requirements. They are trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid. Staff members and faculty are all bilingual. In addition, they continue to update their education by attending colleges, conferences and workshops that are organized by NAEYC, respectable ECE organizations and the Board of Regents.
5. Teacher - Child Ratio
The following teacher-child ratios exceed the minimum requirements set by the State Department of Social Services.
- 3-4 Year Olds - One adult to every 8 children.
- 4-5 Year Olds - One adult to every 8-10 children.
- 5-6 Year Olds - One adult to every 12-14 children.
6. Discipline and Conflict Resolution Policy
Physical or verbal abuse will not be allowed at Tufenkian Preschool. No child will be denied food, rest, or bathroom use as a consequence of inappropriate behavior. We ask that parents respect our discipline policy while in the school so that no child will be subjected to negative, punishing forms of discipline while at St. Mary's Tufenkian Preschool.
Discipline at our school is not for punishment but for behavioral change. The ultimate goal is for children to become self-disciplined. With guidance and facilitation by teachers, the children are helped to solve discipline challenges, using their words and problem solving skills with each other to come up with mutually acceptable choices. Children are helped to redirect their inappropriate behavior by encouraging them to be part of the solution. In this way, it becomes a learning tool and gives children a sense of empowerment. By providing a "can do" environment and positive verbal guidance, we teach young children what "to do", not just what "not to do".
