The philosophy at RBCC is “Children learn best through meaningful play which occurs during developmentally appropriate child centered activities”. It is important to give children a chance to be children, to learn through play, to make friends, and to always feel loved. We encourage each child to be a unique individual. We are sensitive to their social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. We provide classrooms which foster child growth and development. We encourage our staff to provide an environment of learning through play, and to assist in children’s curiosity, self-discipline and a positive self-image. Our programs are designed to develop a feeling of independence and responsibility in children. While bits of information are often forgotten, standards of conduct in work and play, problem solving methods, independent thinking and self-direction become permanent patterns of behavior. These form the foundation for all future learning. Dorothy Nolte was an American writer and family counselor. She wrote a poem on childrearing for a weekly family column for The Torrance Herald in 1954. The poem was widely circulated as well as distributed to millions of new parents by a maker of baby formula. We have included it here:
If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to be guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.