At Ice Cream and Shoe a strong emphasis is placed on nurturing relationships, conflict resolution and allowing each child to come into his or her unique being with a sense of happiness and acceptance. Our commitment is to serve the development of each child’s individual being, within the intimacy ofa community offriends and teachers. We create a unique and magical school atmosphere of students, staff and parents.
Visiting families tell us that they are particularly impressed with Ice Cream and Shoe’s peaceful, calm environment, low student/teacher ratio, and the happiness of the children. The children engage in a wide variety ofactivities, which the teachers provide gentle guidance, strong encouragement and loving support. Staff direct children with calm voices, while still providing firm, clear boundaries and guidelines. We understand discipline to be a process of setting appropriate, respectful, and considerate limits, maintaining balance and equanimity in each child and in the classroom.
Conflicts are dealt with as learning opportunities. Each child involved is heard and supported, and comes away more fully in touch with their feelings. Both the “victim” and the “perpetrator” gain tools to help express themselves, knowing their needs will be met and their desires acknowledged even if a bit ofa wait must precede their fulfillment.
We are committed to providing the highest quality early childhood education to each and every one ofour students. Ice Cream and Shoe’s program is the culmination ofconsiderable effort and intention to bring out the best in a variety of educational philosophies, creating a unique curriculum. Teaching practices weave components ofthe styles ofMaria Montessori, Rudolph Steiner, and Joseph Chilton Pearce, along with other more traditional early childhood education models.
With this foundation, we feel confident that our students will continue to thrive as they enter elementary school. We have seen the proof ofthis in the lives ofour “alumni” and others who are now young adults. Ice Cream and Shoe is a nonsectarian privately owned school. Our approach is to raise children in love and relationship. We welcome families from all backgrounds and celebrate all cultural traditions.