Environment and Curriculum

The Morro Bay United Methodist Children’s Center follows the principles according to the position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  An approach to education, which guides children through the “voyage of discovery”, based on developmentally appropriate practices, age appropriate materials, and individualization.

Our program has been carefully planned to provide a wide variety of activities for children to experience inside and outside environments in a safe, secure, and physically healthy setting.  

The materials and activities are intended to stimulate and provide for cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.  We offer opportunities for learning through: dramatic play, cooking, creative experiences, books, science and math, manipulative, blocks, art, wood working, sand and water play, large motor skill play and a wide variety of early literacy activities.

We believe young children have the capacity to master essential and important skills they will use throughout their lifetime and to this end we strive to support each child in reaching his/her full potential. We facilitate this process through recognition of individual developmental stages, by offering an environment that encourages successful opportunities for developing social skills, building self-confidence, independence, taking responsibility and respecting others. Daily circle time promotes positive social interaction and learning, as are occasions for share day and strolls to the library for story hour. 

The opportunity for language and cognitive growth is fostered through many activities including storytelling, reading books, finger plays and flannel board stories. Music and movement are an important part of circle time as well. Freedom is essential as children begin to explore. The children have the freedom to explore, discover, and be directed by their own interests in a nurturing non-competitive atmosphere. They can select any activity and work with it for as long as they wish and when they are finished they put it back where it belongs. They can choose to work alone or with others. The goal is to help the children with the process of focusing their complete attention on something and completing it with enthusiasm and joy.