With the expansion of the MCS Early Learning program (to include “The Little Angels Early Learning Center” for children 18 months to 3 years) we’re often asked, are our programs play-oriented or academically oriented?  This dichotomy, pitting play against academics, depicts academic schools as embracing the resulting “push-down” of concepts that were previously taught in kindergarten to preschool, and play-based schools as rejecting it. The truth is that many researchers and educators believe this debate is the result of a poor understanding of how young children learn. Those of us who work with young children know that they learn through play.  More importantly, they enjoy learning more and invest in it more strongly when what they’re learning is FUN.

    In our Early Learning Programs, children are learning about math, language arts, social studies, science, music, visual & performing arts and fine and gross motor skills. Every day when they play, they’re more than likely learning about them in a more solid way than if they were manipulating symbols, being lectured to, or merely shown things. That’s not to suggest that all this is done without thought or adherence to what we know are developmentally appropriate practices.  The MCS Early Learning staff are committed to children being engaged in learning, moving, playing and experiencing as opposed to sitting at a desk looking at flash cards or engaging only in pen and pencil activities.  Academics can be taught in many ways and through many modalities.  

     This is what separates the MCS Early Learning programs from other chain based programs that focus largely on day care and custodial services. We invite anyone to stop in and see what’s happening with our “Little Angels and Little Waves” anytime☺

Dr. F