Mejia Family Child Care, Los Angeles

Curriculum: Infants (3 months to 24 months): We provide an infant program for children from 3 to 24 months of age. A warm and loving environment will prevail in our children's rooms, where a ratio of 4: 1 (four infants and one adult) will allow our staff to provide individual attention to each child. Babies are fed through a variety of sensory experiences and movement. The importance of sleeping, feeding and playing routines for each infant are reflected in our care. In addition to their daily routines, our infants have a variety of programs including outdoor and indoor activities such as playing with new materials like non-toxic paint and participating in music and movement classes. The importance of communication between parents and staff is shown through a daily record of activities for each baby, including food intake and diaper routine, that is available for parents to review. Toddlers (24 months to 36 months): Our child care program offers 2 staff members who are highly qualified to care for children. Staff are engaged in a full curriculum to welcome the wonders that come with this age. The objective of this program is to teach children the basic rules and routines, while developing social skills and enjoying a variety of learning experiences. Children are introduced to practical life and sensory activities to develop motion control, respect for the environment, self-reliance and refine sensory perception. Children will also be introduced to concepts related to Language and Mathematics, using concrete materials. The Reggio Emilia approach is an integral part of this program that provides endless opportunities for children to explore creativity and imagination through long-term projects. Children (36 months to 48 months): Our child care program provides care for children 36 to 48 months of age, offering a challenging curriculum mixing both the Reggio Emilia method and the Methods Project approach to learning. This program expands on the first concepts of the project approach. Using a variety of materials, children absorb complex skills in Language Arts and Mathematics. Children continue to develop social skills as they participate in Methods Project, integrating all thematic areas, for example, Science, Visual Arts and Drama. Working on a Methods Project allows children to build and represent their knowledge through various forms of expression. As children collaborate and discuss new ideas with their peers, they are challenged to use their higher level of critical thinking skills as they find and explore various topics through long-term projects. To complement the program, music, extracurricular activities and Spanish are introduced by specialized teachers. Preschool (4 years of age): This program offers an exciting combination of Reggio Emilia’s method and Project Approach for learning. The Reggio Emilia’s method of education is based on the developmental needs of the child and freedom within limits, as well as a carefully prepared environment that guarantees exposure to materials and experiences. The materials for the classroom and the social environment are supportive of the child. The materials are multi-sensory, sequential and elicit self-correction, which facilitates learning. Everything a child sees, hears, feels and tastes improves the education of their mind. Project approach allows children to build and represent their knowledge through various forms of expression. As children collaborate and discuss new ideas with their classmates, they are challenged to use their higher level of critical thinking skills as they find and explore various topics through long-term projects. This is a self-directed learning environment.