PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

The program at The Rainbow Place is based on a developmental philosophy that children develop at individual rates, at different times, in different areas. In order to maximize a child’s development at each stage, this program offers a variety of activities in a planned environment and within a set daily schedule. Children choose from planned activities or play areas, moving from small to large group play throughout the day. Children are encouraged to come up with ideas and plans for play and activities. They are offered a variety of activities and materials to encourage their experimentation. Learning at The Rainbow Place is an active process. We trust children to come up with interesting questions and ideas about themselves and their world. Much of our curriculum emerges from careful observations
​of children’s play.

The overall goal of our program is autonomy, encouraging each child to function independently, to the level of their ability but within our social group. Objectives to meet this goal include: developing or enhancing a child’s ability to choose appropriate activities , to undertake some basic responsibilities, to relate to other people and living things in a socially conscious and conscientious way, and to understand some safety limits and the rights of others. We strive to help each child to be an important member of our small community of friends and to value their role in the unique island community of Martha’s Vineyard.