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Philosophy | Mission Satement | Highlights | Health | Affordable | Location | Staff | Testimonials Kids Inc is an exceptional childcare center located on site at West Woodland Elementary, a
Kids Inc is under new management. Kids Inc will continue it’s tradition of providing access to care for families of all cultural and economic backgrounds and will cultivate a rich and diverse population that reflects the community. Kids Inc will retain its support of a holistic developmental need in each child by ensuring an individualized approach, a dedication to cultural relevancy and an understanding that each child has special gifts. The new management is proud to announce that the NAEYC (National Associate Education Young Children) status will continue and the relationship with the Seattle School District Alignment Initiative will be established. Philosophy Kids Inc teachers work closely with families to provide an environment that honors their lifestyles and strives to be culturally relevant. It is a fun, active, rich and exciting environment where each child is seen as an individual and each family is seen as a part of our community. As we work with each family we keep in mind that bias and prejudices can be harmful and we make anti-bias curriculum part of our everyday work. Our curriculum is based on the four anti-bias goals from Louise Derman Sparks: Nurture each child in the development of a knowledgeable, confident self-identity. This includes both personal and group identity. Nurture each child in the development of comfortable and empathetic interactions with a diverse group of people. Nurture each child in the development of critical thinking skills about bias. Foster each child’s ability to stand up for themselves and others in the face of bias. We invite families to work in our program, to spend time in our classrooms, to assist on field trips, to help with curriculum, to sit on our Parent Advisory Board or lend a hand with committees. Through our strong sense of community our families are able to share their values, history, stories and cultures. Communication and mutual respect help build a link that forms a cohesive bond among families, children and the West Woodland community. Our goal at Kids Inc is to plant the seed of thought and nurture its growth with each child’s interests. By focusing on personal connections with children, we strive to stimulate creativity through a curriculum reactive to each child’s diverse and changeable mind. We facilitate a form of learning through play, which helps children to form a holistic view of the world both complementing and preparing for later critical thought. By modeling proactive behavior and encouraging global thinking, we assist children in becoming positive and powerful members of society. Kids Inc is a private program owned and operated by Laura Pfandler, childcare director and educator for 30 years. Kids Inc offers affordable, accessible childcare for preschool and school age children on-site at West Woodland Elementary School. Our program creates an environment that is culturally relevant and inclusive of all families. Kids Inc focuses on learning through play to help children build strong and healthy social and emotional well being. Kids Inc works together with families and the Public Health Department to access the Public Health Nurse, a child psychologist and nutritionist as needed. We work closely with the school principal, teachers, family support worker, Child Find, school psychologist and speech pathologist at West Woodland School to meet the needs of our students and families. Accessible childcare is one of the foundations of Kids Inc. Families are accepted regardless of their funding source. Families may apply for subsidies from the Department of Social and Health Services, Office Child Care Policy Funding or the City of Seattle Child Care Funding. If a family does not qualify for any of these scholarship sources, Kids Inc has a scholarship fund for families in need. Kids Inc provides a unique opportunity for children enrolled at West Woodland Elementary. These children are able to flow seamlessly in and out of Kids Inc to West Woodland before and after school. They are comfortable in their surroundings and take ownership of their environment. It is also a convenience and comfort for parents to know that their children are not commuting to another site. For the preschoolers enrolled at Kids Inc. they have the opportunity of accessing the resources of an elementary school and build their comfort level in the elementary school prior to kindergarten. The Kids Inc staff is a group of professionals with in-depth knowledge and understanding of child development. We provide a holistic, creative and nurturing climate for each child’s growth and empowerment. Staff is chosen for their individual talents and education. On-going education and training is necessary in order for staff to stay current with new and refreshing ideas to bring to the classroom. Kids Inc training plans include not only outlining necessary training for all staff members but supporting their individual training goals and educational growth as well. "The staff at Kid's Inc take a warm and personal interest in every child. Each student is recognized and respected as an individual. When our child came first came to Kids Inc, (he) was dealing with a fairly debilitating hearing impairment. The pre-school staff worked very closely with our family to help ensure that (our son) felt safe, comfortable and included in all activities. His condition has since been corrected, but the daily feedback from staff was essential and invaluable. Now on the school aged side, the staff continues to make attending Kids Inc a fun, educational and meaningful for (our son)." "When we came to Kids Inc. we found more than childcare we found a community. We feel very fortunate to have the Kids Inc. community as part of our lives. The staff is amazing--all very dedicated, creative, and hard-working. The Kids Inc. staff really cares about the children and about their families. They help you celebrate the good times and are there to help you through the bad times. I can honestly say that being part of the Kids Inc. community has made a huge, very positive difference for our family." |