My Professional Philosophy Statement 

My professional beliefs and values about early childhood education is that every child deserves a quality educational foundation. This includes all of the functioning area within the CDA competency standards such as safety, health, learning environment, physical cognitive, communication, creativity, self, social, guidance, families, program management and professionalism. Each child is different and children learn in different ways. The job of a Childcare professional is to understand how that child learns and how he/she reach their highest learning potential through play, creativeness and exploration. It is my belief that with attentiveness, preparation and time that all children can receive the quality of care needed to prepare them for the entrance into full-day kindergarten programs. 

My role as a daycare provider is to make sure that my program is equipped to give each and every child along with their parent the support and resources needed to make sure that their needs are being met for the child to learn and continue on the educational path to success. 

The task of providing a successful roadmap for my children and their parents is first to provide safety, health and nutrition and a conducive learning environment. The daycare is checked every morning inside and outside for hazards that may prevent a clear evacuation. Fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, safe aid kits, outlets covers, etc. are checked to make sure there are no hazards within before the children arrive. Parents are required to check the children in and out and are asked about the child’s morning and evening in order to assist the child’s emotion need upon entrance. All children are given a body check to rule out any rashes, fevers and diarrhea. An area is provided for any child that is sick until the child can be picked up. All children are given two nutritious meals and a snack which is based on the food program that the daycare participates in. The children are taught about nutrition as they learn to eat and socialize together for meals. The learning environment is has a variety of areas designed for the ages of the children within the daycare. The children are encouraged to play together and also along if that is what they wish to do. Manipulatives, blocks, puzzles and board games are available to stimulate the children cognitively and for the use of small motor skills. Games for large motors skills such as Twister, music chairs, etc. are also available. There is a daily curriculum through “Early Beginnings” which incorporates abc’s, 123’s, shapes, colors, calendar, weather, songs, games, cooking, holidays and special historical events which are age appropriate. This program helps the children in all the different functioning areas. Construction paper, scissors, glue, paint, etc. is available for arts and crafts and creativity. There are two libraries available one for the small children and one for the school age children which allows story time or individual reading. Time is taken throughout the day for self-expression or circle time depending on the age of the children so that children can address or express issues that may be troubling them. This provides effective communication and guidance when needed depending on the age of the child and the circumstance. 

Parents are greeted daily and are welcome to express the need for additional help and resource with their child. As a provider all documents are maintained and updated annually and a yearly meeting is mandatory to stay abreast of any concerns the parents might have and suggestions on ways that I can better service them are welcome. Monthly newsletters are given to the parents and any changes in the program are announced within two weeks of the change. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children and the daycare has a open-door policy for the parents convenience. Parents are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions are always welcome. Children are observed daily and forms are sent home to inform the parent on the child’s day. Professionalism is maintained daily and parents are made aware of the resources that are available to them through our facility. 

Our philosophy at Lorissa Learning Lab is to inspire children to learn. It is not just a daycare, but a learning center. We specialize in different types of labs and social centers to enhance the total growth of the child. The children work in groups and also independently, so we can find out what their potential is and work from there.

Our motto at Lorissa Learning Lab is “Where we strive to reach your child’s highest learning potential. This motto works because if a child leads, studies show they are more willing to learn.

At Lorrissa Learning Lab you’ll observe:

• Children who are intellectually engaged, comfortable and eager to learn
• An environment that celebrates individuality and fosters creativity
• Love, care and respect for each child
• Highly experienced and well-educated teachers who are sensitive to each child’s developmental abilities and needs
• Proactive behavior management practices
• A clean, safe and well maintained facility
• Low teacher to student ratios which promotes individualized attention and superb attention to detail

It is our belief that every child and family is unique; therefore differentiation, individualization, and flexibility are built-in throughout our programs.

Our “big picture” philosophy fosters children to flourish in a rich learning environment with opportunities to explore, interact, question, and create. But what sets us apart from the crowd can be found in all the little details… keeping parents in the loop of daily lesson plans, a healthy & balanced lunch program,  indoor and outdoor play spaces, and a secure & safe environment, just to name a few.

Nutrition

We strive to provide a healthy, balanced diet for each child. We partner with Lorissa Lunch Program to provide breakfast, lunch and two snacks every day.

Upon entering our toddler classroom, children are provided healthy, fresh meals, snack and milk at no additional cost. Organic Life’s School Lunch program offers an exceptional alternative to traditional school lunches.

• All meals are nut and pork free
• Able to accommodate vegetarian meals and also a wider range of dietary restrictions
• All meals are served with fresh fruits and lunch is served with crisp, local vegetables

Communication

We understand the importance of communication so that parents are engaged, informed and connected to their child’s progress and daily routine.

We strive to develop meaningful partnerships with families. To develop this relationship, we take time to make families feel comfortable and respected in our program. We involve families in developing a plan for their child, share valuable information about children’s development and progress, and openly communicate, so parents feel engaged and connected. We have an open door policy at Seffner Child Care Center. Our staff and administration always welcome questions and feedback.

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Health & Safety

We provide CPR and first aid training for all of our staff members. Each classroom has an emergency First Aid kit containing emergency action plans, rescue inhalers and EpiPens as needed. Our nurse consultant provides training on proper diapering, sanitary hand washing practices, and correct use of emergency EpiPen and inhaler use. In addition, our staff nurse provides staff and family support regarding health topics, safety issues and medical concerns.

Physical Fitness

At Lorissa Learning Lab, we believe that children learn by doing and moving. We provide ample space for kids to move and exercise their bodies. Our state of the art, fenced outdoor playground offers an opportunity for children to play safely and freely with sturdy, clean playground equipment and soft landing spaces.

Young children are provided with daily opportunities for neighborhood walks in our safe and secure strollers.  Newborns that are not quite ready for our strollers travel in Bjorn carriers during outdoor trips.

Security

Our facilities are safe and secure.  All major areas of the building including entrances, classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds are equipped with administrator monitored security