Oakview recognizes Parents/ Guardians as the primary educators of their Children. Children need a sense of security and belonging when they are away from their Parents/ Guardians; this is the philosophy we apply to all Children in our care. We strive to ensure that all Children feel happy relaxed and safe. Children are encouraged to feel confident in developing positive relationships and co-operating with the adults caring for them as well as other children in the group.
Every Child is recognised as an individual, within a framework of the highest ethical standards and equal opportunities. We work closely with Parents/ Guardians to provide a level of care that meets the high standards you would expect for your Child.
Oakview aims to provide a holistic approach to each Child’s individuality, encouraging confidence and self-esteem, by providing a flexible programme of learning through play. We also aim to develop an awareness of personal safety and hygiene, development of social skills and encouraging experiential participation in all activities, events, and outings.
At Oakview we implement the High Scope approach to teaching and learning in conjunction with Síolta, Aistear and some Montessori elements. The philosophy behind High Scope, based on Jean Piaget’s ideas, is that Children should be involved in their own learning. They ‘learn by doing’, often working with hands on materials and carrying out projects of their own choice. High Scope’s approach encompasses all aspects of Child development and involves Teacher and Parents/ Guardians in supporting and extending Children’s emotional, intellectual, social, and physical skills and abilities. The central concepts associated with the High Scope’s approach are Active Learning, Adult - Child Interaction, Learning environment, Daily Routine, Assessment, Key experiences and Plan-Do-Review.
Active Learning - We believe that Children learn best by pursuing their personal interests and goals, Children in High Scope’s settings are encouraged to make choices about materials and activities throughout the day. Children explore, ask and answer questions, solve problems, and interact with classmates and Adults. Adult-Child Interaction - The Adults working with the Children see themselves as facilitators or partners rather than Managers or Supervisors. High scope training emphasizes positive interaction strategies: sharing control with Children, focusing on Children’s strengths, forming authentic relationships with Children, supporting children’s play ideas, and adopting a problem-solving approach to social conflict.
Learning Environment - The space and materials in a high scope setting are carefully arranged to promote active learning. The centre is divided into interest areas organized around specific kinds of play; for example, block area, house area, small toy area, sand and water area, book area and art area.
Daily Routine - High Scope teachers give preschoolers a sense of control over events of the day by planning a consistent daily routine that enables the Children to anticipate what happens next. Central elements of the preschool daily routine include plan-do-review sequence, small and large group times, greeting time and outside time.
Special Needs - High Scope Teachers approach Children with special needs by emphasizing the broad cognitive, social, and physical abilities that are important for all Children. The Teacher identifies where the Child with special needs is developmentally, and then provides a rich range of experiences that would be appropriate at their level of development.
