Education Special Section
September 2018
Responsive Educational Opportunities at Primrose Schools
Writer // Deb Brandt Photography // Submitted
Primrose Schools is a national system of accredited private schools that provide premier early education and childcare experiences for children and families. Carmel and Zionsville Primrose Schools are committed to preparing children for success as learners and in life. From the franchise owners to the professional educators, everyone at the three Carmel and one Zionsville Primrose School locations seeks to meet the early learning needs of children and their families.
Why is early childhood education so important? According to the World Economic Forum, today’s children will work in jobs one day that have yet to be created. Think of it: Research suggests that 65 percent of the jobs people will hold in the future do not exist today. This makes educating young children a challenge.
Primrose Schools are up to the challenge as they seek to implement best practices in early childhood education while remaining cognizant of the influences of education over the long term.
“We’ve taken a step to incorporate science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics into programming for even the youngest children attending Primrose,” explained Carmel franchise owner Scott Smith. From reading readiness, writing, science and engineering to mathematics development, research, technology and the creative arts, Primrose is helping children build experiences and skills towards the future.
Using research-informed instructional models, Primrose Schools draw on early learning philosophers, such as Montessori, Piaget, Gesell and Vygotsky, blended with the most current findings of early childhood development and research. In early 2017, Primrose Schools sponsored a national survey of human resource professionals responsible for hiring. The survey revealed that skills, such as adaptability, problem-solving and teamwork, are essential to workplace success. Yet 70 percent of the HR managers reported that entry-level employees are rarely proficient in these skills.
These findings are backed by research from The Harvard Center for the Developing Child, which reports that early life experiences influence a child’s capacity for executive functioning skills in adulthood. As a result, Primrose Schools are focusing their efforts on providing early learning experiences designed to build and enhance these skills in early childhood.
At Primrose Schools, children develop these skills through:
• Developing problem-solving skills through play and interacting with the world around them.
• Cultivating critical thinking through being asked thought-provoking questions.
• Being encouraged to work and play together, including respectful listening and communicating.
• Cultivating self-control by learning to follow instructions given by others.
• Nurturing adaptability through play, children learn to use everyday objects in
new ways. to and learning to read aloud.
At Primrose Schools, learning is fun and dynamic while building the confidence in each child. To learn more about the Primrose Schools in Carmel and Zionsville,visit their websites, make an appointment for a school tour or attend one of their community events.
“We offer events that are open to the public as well as those for current families,” explained Carmel franchise owner Bryan Bowman. “Recently, we partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation to host the Touch a Truck event. It was a fundraiser for the Foundation while offering families an experience with vehicles that fascinate young children.” In October, the three Carmel Primrose Schools will sponsor the
Ghosts and Goblins 5K Run. Bowman added that area franchise owners often work together to provide services that are best for families and the communities where they are located.
The Goddard Schools: Purposeful Play
Writer // Deb Brandt Photography // Submitted
Children are naturally curious. From an early age, they are exploring the world around them and learning at the same time. That is why the Goddard Schools faculty and staff encourage a child’s curiosity by incorporating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through play-based activities that are fun and accessible.
The Goddard School is renowned for its F.L.E.X. Learning Program that is aligned with the organization’s core values. These values include play and exploration, diverse programming, student empowerment, 21st century skills, STEAM and literacy, quality questions and encouragement and individualization. They also include safety and security, research, outdoor time and risk and failure.
“For 30 years, parents and families have trusted The Goddard School to nurture, encourage and educate their children,” said West Carmel owner Lynn Newkirk.
“As parents, Joe and I appreciate the benefits The Goddard School offered our chil dren. When we ask parents what makes The Goddard School in West Carmel special, we consistently hear ‘the teachers.’ We find parents are attracted to The Goddard School because we offer a safe, loving and nurturing environment with a wide variety of enrichment programs.”
Among the unique opportunities at West Carmel is The Goddard School’s Certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. The space features thriving garden areas, which include plenty of soil for digging and exploration as well as raised beds for planting various vegetables.
Megan Greek, the owner of The Goddard School City Center, also identifies the highly educated and experienced teachers as the most influential part of children’s learning at the school. “All of our Lead Teachers possess a degree in Education, which lends a higher level of investment and professionalism to the classroom,” Greek explained. The Goddard School City Center is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), explained Greek, giving it the highest rating for the State of Indiana. The accreditation is earned by each individual school.
“I have three young children of my own, the youngest of which is still attending my school full-time,” Greek said. “My perspective as a parent only strengthens my ability to provide the best possible learning environment for our students as well as our faculty. Our school is best known for being a very warm, loving and nurturing program. We value safety and security above all else and feel that children learn best when they feel loved and secure!”
To learn more about The Goddard Schools located in Carmel and Zionsville, visit their websites where you can schedule a personal facility tour. The Goddard Schools have an open-door policy, so parents are welcome to drop in and meet teachers and see classrooms in action. goddardschools.com.