Childcare providers offer five educational theories

As the mother of four children, including twins with developmental delays, Kelly Sparks knows the importance of good child care. So, as the director and co-founder of Peacock Family Center, she organized a small forum Wednesday night, “One Evening: Five Educational Theories,” to give other parents an overview of what’s available on the island.

“We are so lucky to have so many choices on Bainbridge,” she said. “You can’t make a bad choice.”

Presenters included Meghan Skotheim, an educator at Montessori Country School; Kerry Grant, educator at Madrona School which provides Waldorf education; Judi Neumann, educator at Bainbridge Cooperative School; Sheila Jakubik, director of Bethany Lutheran Preschool who talked about parochial education; and Kim Burke, childcare director at Peacock Family Center, which follows a combination of RIE and Reggio principles.

Hearing the theories presented one after another highlighted the many similarities in styles among the schools, as well as some core differences in philosophy.

In the audience, Bainbridge parent Elisa Romeo raised her hand early, wanting to know the difference between Montessori and Waldorf methodology. Romeo grew up on the island, attending Montessori through fourth grade.

“It’s the fit that’s important,” she said. “It’s not a matter of one way’s right or wrong.”

Sparks, who described the different personalities of her own kids, tries to match the daycare style to the child when possible.

For instance, Waldorf education emphasizes child-directed, play-centered learning. That environment can feel too free-form for children who thrive with more structure, she said, but is perfect for one who is curious and playful.

Montessori offers learning stations for topics such as language, science and botony and cultural learning where “aware adults” model behavior and then stand back and allow the children freedom to explore the concept from their own perspective.

Reggio philosophy (Peacock) strides somewhere in between those two, offering segments of self-directed learning time followed by teacher-led activities.

Bainbridge Cooperative School, influenced by a variety of early education researchers, provides a stimulating environment and multi-age interaction in its one-room schoolhouse.

“Let’s have fun, we tell them,” said Neumann who has studied education methods in Russia, Italy and Finland.

Jakubik said the name of a school tells you very little about what happens inside. She said the term parochial is most often associated with Catholic education, but Bainbridge also has Bethany Lutheran where she is director and St. Barnabas (Episcopalian), both which offer nondenominational Christian-based education.

Bethany’s childcare program provides opportunities to learn the skill of how to transition from one activity to another and is more teacher-directed than some of the other methods.

The faith-based component varies by school she said; Catholic and Jewish schools generally emphasize specific doctrine. Bethany’s faith-based element shows up in small ways such as saying prayer before eating lunch.

“Christmas is Christmas,” Jakubik said. “It’s not winter break.”

Trish King, educator at The Island School, which serves children from K-8, attended the event to get a broader view of the different philosophies.

“We get children from every one of these schools,” she said. “It’s wonderful to get more information and to know what the children experience in each one.”

She said researching the different schools is key to finding a right match.

“It’s important for parents to do their due diligence. Talk to other parents with similar values. Ask about their experience,” she said. “And go visit the schools. You have to see it in action.”

Jakubik concurred during her presentation.

“If I could offer some personal advice, I’d say: ‘Follow your gut.’”she said. “Go visit the school. Do you feel good when you walk inside? If you are happy and confident with your choice, your child will be happy and confident going there.”

Most of the schools allow on-site visits, but request advance notice to schedule them.

The following is contact information for the five schools presented Wednesday. Besides these few represented, there are plenty more options on the island, including home-based care.

Costs and program hours vary greatly between organizations and may also affect which school is the best fit for your family’s needs.

Montessori Country School

10994 Arrow Point Dr.

842-4966

www.montessoricountryschool.org

Bethany Lutheran Preschool

7968 Finch Rd.

780-7752

www.bethanyofbainbridge.org

Bainbridge Cooperative School

501 Cave Ave.

842-4077