Our curriculum consists of a combination of age appropriate skills and activities that enrich a child's mind and heart. Language skills, songs, and music and movement are an important part of all of our programs, including the infant and toddler program.

We use Howard Gardner's theory of "The Multiple Intelligences" as a basis for working with and assessing children at Koinonia. In his work "Frames of Mind" (1983), Gardner suggested that there are at least seven different intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Most recently, a naturalist intelligence has been added. We all possess these intelligences, but to different degrees. Children, just like adults, have their own preferred strengths, learning styles, interests, likes, and dislikes. We at Koinonia feel that it is our responsibility to consider each child's individual learning styles and strengths as we provide appropriate learning environments, plan learning activities, and set up suitable social structures. Learning is not restricted to one's learning style. However, learning can be enhanced when strategies are personally appealing.

Koinonia Preschool Daycare is an outreach and support ministry of the West Newbury Congregational Church. We believe the church today is called to perform a vital role in our communities by actively ministering to the needs of individuals. Through this daycare we seek to respond to the valid concerns of working families, and provide support to parents in the care and nurturing of their children.

Through an active and stimulating program in a secure, loving and Christ-centered environment, our vision is that children will be instilled at an early age with the desire to do what is right and good as taught in the Word of God, and that as a result of this positive influence, our children, our families and our communities will benefit today and for generations to come.

Our philosophy of early childhood education is built upon five educational tenets, (the "Five Foundational "Rs"):

* Having a relationship with God and learning to get along with others are priorities in life.
* Respect of others' lives and property are key to effective socialization.
* The appropriate release of both frustration and forgiveness sets an early standard for self-control.
* Training children to take responsibility for their actions provides a foundation for life-long confidence.
* Koinonia Preschool Daycare provides reinforcement of family values.

We believe in a strong background of social skills and respect for God, family, peers, and adults. We instill the 14 characteristics of Christ, as found in scripture and which have been defined in T.W. Hunt and Claude King's book: "The Mind of Christ". With the permission and blessing of the authors, Jean Cronk, founding director, developed a curriculum around them which is developmentally appropriate for preschoolers. The 14 characteristics are as follows: humble, obedient, willing, good, meek, able to teach, not quarrelsome, patient, gentle, faithful, watchful, wise, loyal, and courageous.