Welcome to Starbright Early Learning Center! Our early childhood program is established upon the belief that each child is a unique and bright star reaching for his or her greatest potential. Innocent, young children are trying to grasp how the world works. They are becoming independent individuals with a desire to communicate their experiences as they explore themselves and their surroundings. Infants are learning to trust adults and know that the world is a safe and productive place. Toddlers are learning basic self-help skills and rudimentary social skills. Preschoolers are preparing to learn to read, draw, and use simple logic, as they rejoice with each other at each new discovery and accomplishment. Kindergarten and school age children are learning to solve problems, establish basic skills in cognitive learning and share a compassion and respect for other children and adults. Starbright emphasizes creativity, self-discipline, self-worth, and a positive attitude in dealing with life. What some perceive as mistakes or failures, we perceive as positive steps forward in the learning process. Children are constantly reminded of their beauty, intelligence, and uniqueness. Above all, emphasis is placed on promoting emotional security and happiness in each child. Starbright supports the concept that children learn by playing. Playing is the child's work. Hands-on toys and educational materials are the "texts" of early childhood classrooms. We do not push or pressure children to perform the more academic skills. Instead, we supply the environment and professional guidance so that when children are ready, they have the resources to grow to their greatest capacity. Many people in Washington state seem to think that children in early childhood education programs attend either "child care" or Montessori schools. This local misconception does an injustice to the growing field of early childhood. Young children who are enrolled in a quality educational program such as Starbright will receive the important nurturing and emotional support that is often associated with child care. However, at the same time they will be challenged in their cognitive development by knowledgeable teachers acquainted not only with Montessori teaching techniques, but also with many other newer methods. While Montessori curriculum is derived from Piaget's cognitive developmental theory, there has been a great deal of other more current and equally valid research conducted by theorists such as Erickson, Bronfenbrenner, Bandura, and Vygotsky. Starbright offers an eclectic approach to teaching young children that does not rely on one theory alone. While the curriculum at Starbright offers educational activities that enhance both academic and artistic development, teachers understand the importance of developmentally appropriate teaching practices that precede teacher-directed methods found in elementary school. Starbright is not just a child care or only a Montessori school. It offers both the nurturing and the high quality education that all young children need to reach their greatest potential.