Suncoast Academy Preschool, Tampa

We believe that the first years of life are extremely important in influencing the eventual intellectual & personal development of the child. The center will dedicate its efforts to providing a happy, healthful environment to nurture the intellectual, physical and emotional growth of the children in our care. Our philosophy promotes understanding of the child's need to examine his environment, to be able to deal effectively with all kinds of people and situations, and to handle and use his/her own feelings themselves and their accomplishments, to be selfconfident, and to have a well-developed self-esteem. We know that the numerous experiences we provide for them, the attitudes we show, and the behavior models we expect them to copy will influence their development. Intellectually, our program and materials provide a solid foundation for the student. Goals for our children include: developing skills for creative thinking, making wise choices, arriving at workable solutions, living with responsibility, and developing and living with a sense of humor. Physical education is an integral part of our program and very important for young children. It is important to help each child develop a strong healthy body and an informed attitude toward the care of his/her body. An appropriate level of fitness can lead to a more confident outlook, emotional stability and better health in general. An effective physical education program can influence a child's total development. We recognize the importance of the role of the teacher. Her training, natural abilities and personality are crucial in setting the stage for learning. By the experiences that the teacher makes possible for the children, and by her knowledge of child development and how children learn, she will be able to turn the classroom into a mini lab where children can "discover" for themselves about the real world. A teacher, having a soft voice, being enthusiastic listener in a creative classroom, can inspire her students.