PHILOSOPHY
At Sharon’s Serendipity the safety and well being of the children in my care is my first concern. I have made a commitment to creating a relaxed secure environment for them to play and learn in. Every child is treated as a unique individual regardless of his/her age, gender, race, disability, cultural background, religion or marital status of his/her parents.

Nutritious food, a sense of safety, and feelings of belonging and love are children’s most basic needs. I work to ensure these needs are satisfied first, so each child can reach his/her greatest potential. At Sharon’s Serendipity I foster each child’s physical, language, personality, cognitive, spiritual and social growth. Children work and play within a group while developing their own identity. I promote each child’s positive self-image and self-help skills to heighten his/her individual level of independence and self-sufficiency. Children are helped to develop self-control through clearly set, developmentally appropriate limits and rules.

I believe academics alone are not enough; children must also be taught how to function effectively in society. Now while they are young, is the time to teach them about respect and caring, not only for themselves and other, but also for the earth and the creatures on it. Children also need to learn appropriate behavior for various social situations. Children learn best through hands-on experiences and by observing positive role models. I provide an assortment of experiences to nurture a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.

FAMILIES
Parents and families are children’s primary caregivers. I view the care children receive from Sharon’s Serendipity as a quality supplement to the care they receive at home. I work to become partners with families; by communicating openly and honestly we can help the children reach their greatest potential.

THE PROGRAM
The small group and intimate setting allows me to design a curriculum that is geared towards each child’s developmental stage. Children have the opportunity to learn at their individual pace while they explore and play. All children are encouraged to talk about their experiences and to share their ideas. Children will learn to understand their own feelings and the feelings of others. Life skills such as proper hygiene, nutrition and manners are a large part of the Sharon’s Serendipity program. No child will be allowed to hurt themselves, others or pets, or to destroy property.

Children have a balance between indoor and outdoor activities, and active and quiet activities. I offer a wide variety of experiences including arts, cooking, games and puzzles, dramatic play, literature, sports, field trips, gardening, creative movement and music. Environmental and community issues are also incorporated into the curriculum. Non-denominational Christian materials are used.


SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
6:30 amQuiet free choice
7:45 amBreakfast and clean up (face and hands washed teeth brushed)
8:15 amFree choice
8:45 amStory and discussion time
9:00 amNap or quiet choice (games, quiet toys, art, cooking)
10:00 am    Snack
10:15 am    Outdoor play or movement and music
10:45 am    Free choice
12:00 pm    Lunch and clean up (face and hands washed teeth brushed)
12:45 pm    Stories
1:00 pmNap
3:30 pmSnack
3:45 pmFree choice or homework
4:15 pmMusic and movement
4:30 pmOutdoor play or indoor active play
5:00 pmFree choice
6:00 pmGo home

The above schedule is a guide. Activities and times are adjusted according to the weather, the interest of the children or the mood and energy level of the children. All activities are set up so each child can participate at his/her own developmental level. All activities are presented to be free of racial, gender, ethnic, cultural or religious stereotypes.

Art: coloring, drawing, painting, dough and clay, cutting, pasting/gluing, stamps, finger painting

Outdoor: balls, flying discs, water play, kickball, dishes, soccer, vehicles, wading pool, gardening, horseshoes,

Field trip: Museum of Science, USS Constitution, train rides, Rockport Fire Station, Rockport Police Station, beach (usually twice a week in the summer), York Wild Kingdom, Water Country, Helmut's Strudel (once a week during the season), walks, picnics

Toys: Building toys, dress up clothes, kitchenette with dishes and food, male and female dolls with clothes and equipment, large and small vehicles, large and small stuffed animal, puzzles (from age 1 to 12 and up), games (commercial and school-made), fine motor manipulatives, tent and tunnels for indoor active play, books, videos and much more for ages birth to thirteen years.


MEALS AND SNACKS
Good nutrition is a significant part of a child’s life; without a healthy diet a child will have difficulties learning. Breakfast, lunch and two snacks are offered. Children are taught to plan balanced meals and snacks. They are also encouraged to help with preparation whenever possible. If a child has dietary restrictions, the family may need to provide any special foods.
Philosophy, Families, Program,
Schedule of Activities, Meals and Snacks
Sharon's Serendipity

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