Boston University Children's Center

Philosophy

The Boston University Children's Center exists both to enrich and to enlarge a child's experience while meeting the needs of parents for childcare. Parents of children in the Center are encouraged to visit the Center as often as possible and to play an active role. The Center is, in a sense, an extension of the home: teachers, children, and parents work together to provide a quality early childhood educational environment.

The Center recognizes children's need to learn to respect themselves and to gain the respect of others. This is an ongoing process involving all aspects of a child’s being. Children at the Center are not separated into groups by age. They progress individually, regardless of age, as they do within family and neighborhood where younger and older children learn much from one another. Together they learn compassion and responsibility in a warm friendly atmosphere that builds trust.

The Center is an open, structured classroom. Children work and play at their own pace on projects that appeal to their individual interests. Various activities geared to different stages of development are provided. Some natural age separation does occur as children are drawn to projects appropriate to their particular skills.