Philosophy of the Program

Children at Play, Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory


    In The Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory program, our goal is to provide an environment that facilitates the development of:
  • Self-confidence, initiative and a positive self-image.
  • A feeling of belonging, love, and respect.
  • Friendliness and consideration for others.
  • Enthusiasm for learning.
  • Inquiry approach to learning.
  • Ability to solve problems.
  • Complex skills and learning in the physical social, cognitive, and emotional areas of development.
We also seek to provide opportunities to:
  • Express individuality and uniqueness.
  • Relate to adults other than one's family.
  • Take part in group experiences.

    The program of the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory is designed to meet the individual growth needs of each child. Each teacher works cooperatively with parents, students and other staff members to determine each child's level of development, needs, and interests. Using this information, the teacher plans an individualized curriculum based on knowledge of human growth and development.
    The daily program is flexible, with many opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and discovery through play. Daily activities are varied and include science, blocks, large and small motor activities, concept development, dramatic play, literature, music and many others.
    One of the main objectives of the Laboratory is to help children develop self-discipline and self-control over their actions. To encourage this, we provide guidance and discipline characterized by:
  • Consistency, firmness, and benevolence.
  • Encouragement of self discipline.
  • Consistent limitations, gently enforced.
  • Fostering self-esteem and accepting child's feelings.
  • Child centered activities with opportunities for success.
  • Modeling and reinforcing positive behaviors.
    Techniques used in guiding child's behavior include:
  • Limit setting and maintaining limits.
  • Anticipating behaviors.
  • Modeling.
  • Fostering effective communication.
  • Redirecting.
  • Problem solving.
  • Offering choices.
  • Use of natural and logical consequences.
Human Ecology