Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.
Maria Montessori
The teacher’s image of the child can impact educational decisions. How we design our spaces, how we plan our learning experiences, how we organise their schedule, how we interact with our children, how we view parents’ participation depends highly on how we view children and perceive children. Our view of children is that they are powerful thinkers who are rich in potential.
Children learn best when they have a secure relationship with members of the school community – peers, teachers, centre leaders, para-educators and support staff. Life for young children is based on relationships.
Wherever they spend their time, they need to be cared for by teachers who are emotionally invested in their well-being. Teachers focus on providing respectful, responsive and reciprocal relationships with children. This is only possible when teachers have a strong image of the child; that every child is curious and has the potential to become effective and active contributors.
Teachers are role models for children. What they say, how they talk and how they encourage and guide a child will influence his/her self-worth, confidence and happiness.
Their eyes light up and it shows that it is a special moment. Family participation bridges the gap between the centre and home.
We work in partnership with parents to ensure our participation in the children’s education is in line with the best practices in education. The mutual respect of teachers, children and parents becomes palpable. When there is a connection and similarity between the centre and home, children feel secure within a circle of belonging.