Philosophy Statement of The Center

              We who are involved in early childhood education at the University of Dayton are dedicated to giving our full attention to the needs of all the children whom we care for and educate. We believe that the positive experiences of infants, toddlers and young children are critical to healthy development and that these experiences establish a foundation from which children can reach their full potential. Our philosophy is based on childhood theorists, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotski, Maria Montessori, Erick Erikson and the early childhood movement from Reggio Emilia, Italy. We believe that children benefit from practices that are well grounded in research. We also strive to maintain a program where children and families from all religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds will find an environment that embraces their similarities and differences.

We believe in the following developmental principles:

          Each child's uniqueness is the result of interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Infant and child development involves interrelated physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Rates of development vary from one child to another, but the sequential progression of growth does not.

         With these principles in mind, we believe that infants, toddlers, and young children are individuals in their own right and must receive the same respect and consideration afforded older children and adults.

         We believe that it is our responsibility to provide responsive and understanding care, responsible guidance, modeling and generosity in our warmth of feeling. Furthermore, we are committed to providing a developmentally appropriate environment in order to nurture growth in each of the areas of development, while treating each child as a whole person.

        We believe that it is the job of adults to provide children with enticing and accurate learning experiences that are based on sound content knowledge and developmentally appropriate practices.

Vision Statement

          The University of Dayton's Bombeck Family Learning Center is a learning community which provides leadership in the Early Childhood Education field through implementation and demonstration of research based, developmentally appropriate practice for young children and professional development for early childhood professionals in a collegial, collaborative and quality environment.

  Mission Statement

        The Bombeck Family Learning Center's mission is to provide a high quality early childhood care and education program for young children, and a best practice demonstration setting for early childhood professionals.

  Goals

Cognitive: Children are encouraged to learn at a self-directed pace in an environment that is enriching and that stimulates the child's natural thirst for knowledge.

Social: Children are encouraged to interact with their peers, university students and adults in a positive and productive way.

Physical: Children are supported as they discover the physical development of their large and small motor skills.

Emotional: Children are supported as they begin to understand their thoughts and feelings, and are reassured as they begin to realize that others may not think and feel as they do.

      Children are given choices… they have opportunities to join with others in play or work ... they have time to play, to think, to relax, and to observe while in a protective, safe environment under the watchful eyes of professional educators.

    The Bombeck Family Learning Center is a part of the University of Dayton Family and benefits the University community in a variety of ways.