Basic and Early Childhood Education
The most difficult choices we have in life are those that inlove many options to choose from. It can just be confusing. Sometimes, we blindly choose, leaving ourselves in a position of doubt and uncertainty. In these troubled times, our only ally is getting hold of information that can help us narrow down our choices leading us to our best option.
Undoubtedly, the education of our :little ones” is our foremost priority. However, the misconception of “more expensive is better” hampers our judgment when making that vital choice.
There are many different types of approaches and curriculum that we may choose from. Examples of these are PAREF (Parents for Education Foundation). ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and The Montessori Method.
PAREF - Parents for Education Foundation
PAREF was formed in 1976 when a group of parents banded together to address their primary concern - the education of their children. They believe that the input as well as the output was essential in the development of not only the intellectual and physical attributes, but for the appreciation of good social, moral and spiritual values.
PAREF is an organization who takes charge of the direction, administration and supervision of specific schools. PAREF believes that the development of child education is best served through the formation of parents and teachers is believed that these are the two most important aspects of a child’s development. When the above are in coherence, the development of the child will be of natural consequence.
PAREF supports the idea that parents have the primary responsibility of education their children and that each person must be equipped with virtues and values inspired by the pursuit of Christian life. Freedom and responsibility must go hand in hand with a life of dedication to the service of God and helping the underprivileged.
The main factor that distinguishes the schools under PAREF from other schools is the tutorial system provided for the delivery of effective and well-rounded education. This is founded on the collaboration between the home life of the child and the school itself. This being “PAREF believes that the development of child education is best served through the formation of parents and teachers” a process wherein the child is helped by understanding themselves and the society they live in. It enables the child to make free and responsible decisions in relation to their personal and professional life.
Each child within the PAREF system is assigned a tutor who coordinates with the parents the development of the child’s personal formation. Each tutor assigned is given the responsibility along with the parents, of developing trust between one another so that they may provide the perfect harmony between school life and home life.
Not only are the parents expected to assist in the educational and spiritual growth of their children. They are also encouraged to get involved with other school programs such as the development of extra curricular activities, building school facilities and helping out in the generation of scholarship funds.
The schools under the direction of PAREF are:
- PAREF Woodrose School for Girls – Ayala Alabang Village
- PAREF Rosemont Preparatory School – Ayala Alabang Village
- PAREF Southridge School for Boys- Hillsborough Subdivision, Muntinlupa
- PAREF Ridgefield Preparatory School – Hillsborough Subdivision, Muntinlupa
- PAREF Northfeld Private School for Boys- Scout Gandia St., Quezon City
- PAREF Rosefield Pre-School – Scout Fuentebella St., Quezon City
- PAREF Rosehill Pre-School – Mission Hills, Antipolo
- PAREF Westbridge School - La Paz, Iloilo
- PAREF Southerest School – Cebu City
ACSI – Association of Christian Schools International
ACSI supports the idea that Christian education is the only education for the “real world” They believe that the core subjects are incomplete unless God is at the center. “ACSI believes that the finest educational services offered anywhere in Asia are available through ACSI’s services”.
ACSI has set up the Manila office only recently so that they may work closely with schools to provide them the necessary support and to encourage the development of excellence in Christian education, both spiritually and academically. ACSI believes that the finest educational services offered anywhere in Asia are available through ACSI’s services.
ACSI has responded to the task of providing leadership, training and service for the global Christian community which is distinctly biblical and cultural centered.
The mission of ACSI is to provide the very best in teacher and administrator conferences, teaching tools and materials, teacher training, and school services.
School services consist of the following:
- Student activities
- Communication
- Curriculum
- School improvement
ACSI accredits schools based on an established standard of operation. The cost of membership for any institution wishing to join ACSI depends upon their enrolment at the specific date of application.
The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children’s learning processes.
The Montessori Method is unique with its delivery of curriculum. The philosophy is built upon the idea that children develop and think differently than adults; that they are not merely “adults in small bodies.” Dr. Montessori advocated a child’s right to develop himself or herself into an adult, and that these developments would ultimately lead to world peace.
It is with this philosophy that the children are developed but allowing them to improve on their weaknesses. For instance, after a writing activity, the papers are turned in but are not returned with a mark. In this case, the teacher has simply observed and has shown respect to the output produced by the student. The will then evaluate the student’s performance and instead of passing or failing the student’s output, the student will be presented with additional activities to develop where he or she lacked in the previous exercise.
The Montessori Method encourages independence and freedom with limits and responsibility. The youngest children are guided in practical life skills, for example, domestic skills and manners. These skills are emphasized with the goal of increasing attention spans, hand-eye coordination, and tenacity. The Montessori Method states that satisfaction, contentment and joy result from the child feeling like a full participant in daily activities. Montessori education carried through the elementary and high school years, follows the child’s emerging tendency for peer-oriented interactions and still emphasizes that each student is the guardian of his or her intellectual development.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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