- Is The Nature of Things, LLC part of a chain or franchise?
- How secure is your center?
- Am I welcome to visit my child?
- Do you have academic programs or is your center strictly play-based?
- What is your educational philosophy?
- Will my child be provided meals and snacks?
- Will my child go outside to play?
- How can I feel secure that my child is in a safe and healthy environment?
Is The Nature of Things, LLC part of a chain or franchise?
No, The Nature of Things, LLC is a family owned and operated licensed child care center and preschool. We have worked in the field of education for over 22 years. We are working parents who understand the need for quality child care and educational programs. We are active in the community and get to know our clients on a personal level. As parents and educators we also understand how important it is to find caregivers who will meet the individual needs of each child.
How secure is your center?
We have a locked double security entry system with continuous computerized digital video monitoring. Our school is based on an open concept classroom model with large viewing windows between rooms. All visitors are escorted through the center. Children are signed in and out of our care and no child is released to anyone other than the parent without written notice and valid ID check.
Am I welcome to visit my child?
We have an open door policy for parents and parents are welcome to visit their child anytime during the day.
Do you have academic programs or is your center strictly play-based?
We have a developmentally appropriate curriculum specifically designed to meet the social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of each age group. Our science rich programs are inquiry based and follow child friendly themes throughout the year. Children learn through observation, exploration, discovery, and play. Therefore, we provide many opportunities throughout the day for hands-on investigation through play, interactions, questioning, reasoning, manipulating, building, and creating.
What is your educational philosophy?
Our philosophy is based on Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory. It follows the premise that intelligence is not unitary. Rather, learners must rely on several different intelligence strengths to achieve a goal. See our philosophy page for more information on the Multiple Intelligence Theory.
Will my child be provided meals and snacks?
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are prepared from scratch by our certified chef in our licensed food service kitchen. Meals are colorful, nutritious, delicious, and child friendly. New menu items and old favorites are served each month to provide variety and to encourage children to try new things.
Will my child go outside to play?
There is a direct link between gross motor development and cognitive development and running, jumping, and climbing a critical part of childhood development. We also feel that fresh air and sunshine are healthy for children. Therefore we believe children need to play outside every day, weather permitting. Organic gardening is part of our science rich curriculum and children will also be encouraged to spend time in the spring and summer working in our Children's Discovery Garden.
How can I feel secure that my child is in a safe and healthy environment?
Our staff members are trained to follow our strict health and safety guidelines. We conduct daily health and safety inspections in all areas of the center and playground and directors follow up immediately with any areas of concern if they arise. We use environmentally safe and non-toxic cleaners on children's learning surfaces. Infant and toddler toys are disinfected daily and the entire center is thoroughly cleaned each night. Children and staff are taught proper hand washing techniques to help stop the spread of germs.