What is our philosophy?

The purpose of SFCP is to provide a nurturing  atmosphere  in which children learn through play in a homey, secure and consistent environment. This practice promotes development in all aspects of growth, helps build the child's self confidence and gives them opportunities to think creatively. Our philosophy is hugely influenced on Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development. 


Play comes naturally to children, so it makes sense that they learn from it. 
The foundation for learning is laid in early childhood. During these early years, experiences and opportunities for learning should be diverse, creative, and carefully planned based on sound principles of child development.  
School For Constructive Play believes the best way to achieve this is by working closely with parents for the benefit of each child.  


















CHILDREN WILL GROW AND DEVELOP AT THEIR OWN RATE
No two children develop in the same way, at the same time, or in the same sequence. Children need teachers who understand their individual developmental needs and who provide support and creative experiences based on those needs.
CHILDREN WILL DEVELOP A POSITIVE SELF IMAGE
A positive self image helps  children participate easily and successfully in a learning environment and provides a framework for personal development that will continue throughout the child's lifetime.
CHILDREN WILL LEARN HOW TO ACT ON THEIR ENVIRONMENT
Children need to explore, question, practice and pretend in order to discover and learn about the world around them.  Play is the work of children. The learning process is lifelong and begins best when they can choose a variety of activities that interest them and challenge them in a safe and loving environment. 
CHILDREN WILL LEARN TO HANDLE THEIR EMOTIONS AND INTERACTIONS IN A HEALTHY WAY
Young children have strong feelings that can confuse them and are often beyond their control. They need love and support while learning to understand, label, express and manage their emotions in a healthy way. 
CHILDREN WILL DEVELOP A SENSE OF PRESONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INDEPENDANCE
When given the opportunity to make choices and solve problems creatively, children grow in knowledge of how the world operates and how they can function in it. Within a safe and encouraging environment, children start to learn that their actions and words can effect themselves and those around them.
CHILDREN WILL LEARN TO TRUST AND CARE ABOUT THOSE AROUND THEM
Children need loving attention. They need to be with caring teachers who are kind and consistent in how they react to a child's behavior. Through these relationships, children develop the ability to give and receive affection, understanding and learn to trust themselves and others. 

School For Constructive Play : The Philosophy

School For Constructive Play : The Philosophy

School For Constructive Play : The legacy

School For Constructive Play :
The Legacy

I chose to become an early childhood professional in an accidental way.

I grew up on Anna Maria Island with my mom, dad and older brother. When  my brother started at Anna Maria Elementary and I when started walking, my mom began working as a teacher at the local preschool.
That preschool was School For Constructive Play.

From the time I started to my little graduation day, my mom and I made many memories at SFCP.
Having my mom as a teacher cramped my style sure, but there were  pros. Like having the whole school come to EVERY birthday party or getting extra snacks if we had to stay late.
But by far the biggest pro of having a teacher-mom, was the  people who were brought  in to my life. 
 I met my best friend in Teacher Pam's class when I was 2 years old  and my SFCP teachers are my mentors,  bonus moms, and occasional voices of reason.  


I continued to go there on the bus after school while I was at AME and came back again as a volunteer in high school.
Fast forward through  college volleyball and Americorps service years to when my old teacher called me up out of the blue.

Pam Bertrand (pictured above) asked if I would be interested in a temporary teaching position. Just to help her out until she found someone to fill in permanently. I had taken most of my ECE classes already and absolutely adored the woman  so my answer was easy, "Yes, of course Teacher Pam!"
How could I say no to the woman who changed my diapers and signed off on my (extremely procrastinated) high school volunteer hours?
 The plan was for me to stay for two weeks. But after three days of getting to know the kids in my class and  their families, I told her to cancel her search. 
Four years later and I finally left my temporary School For Constructive Play teacher position only to find my way back as Director.
I  love this school and  can’t wait to continue creating the same home-away-from-home feeling for every child who walks through the door, that Teacher Pam created for me.


                                            

"Play is the work of children."

School For Constructive Play is my home.

that's me!

Teacher Kelly : Kelly Stewart

| The Beach,72nd Street on Holmes Beach to be exact
|Rainy Days
|Claw machines, the ones at the movie theater are my favorite
|My dog, Bear
|The song "My Shiny Teeth and Me" by Chip Skylark
|Snack time

| Blue Cheese, I will die on this hill
| Cracking eggs, I cannot for the life of me crack one with 0 shells  in it
|Sea World, I am a die hard orca lover and Blackfish will live with me forever
|Confrontation, though I'm working on it (if that's cool with you)