Children need something more than a teacher or educator. They need an adult who will educate, care and nurture them.
Magda Gerber called the person who performs this role an “edu-carer.” Her philosophy of Resources for Infant “Edu-carers” (RIE) is the basis upon which Forever Young was built 30 years ago.
Using RIE principles, Forever Young seeks to create a balance between adult stimulation and independent exploration in a safe environment.
Forever Young has developed the following curriculum:
- Provide an environment that allows children to make choices.
- Assure that children have a stable relationship with their edu-carer.
- Allow children to develop motor and sensory skills without direct teaching.
- Provide a safe, cognitively challenging and emotionally nurturing environment in which children can move freely and explore the world.
- Children are allowed uninterrupted play periods that foster creative interaction.
- Adults are there to observe during these play times, but they do not attempt to direct the children’s activities.
- Forever Young’s daily activities for our children provide an opportunity to learn through play and hands-on experience.
- Activities offered are connected to monthly themes.
- Forever Young’s philosophy respects each child and his or her developmental level.
- Healthy, happy and confident children are successful children.
We believe children are doing more than just playing. They are learning cooperation and positive social interaction – skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.