The Squirrel Tree

The Squirrel Tree, A Rusnak Family Child Care
License # 566209666
Tammy Rusnak, Care Giver
832 Katherine Rd., Simi Valley, CA 93063
(805) 522-2588

The Squirrel Tree Philosophy

A family child care centered on the philosophy that every child has gifts that make he or she special. Our home is loving, small, and warm. We serve only a few children. It is our goal that every child leaves our care with a positive self esteem to carry them through out their lives.

To prepare the children for life we focus on teaching children to think, not learn facts. Our program is based on an emergent curriculum where the lessons and learning environments are set up according to the children s interests and input. Indoor and Outdoor classrooms
provide children with the opportunity to explore their interests and learn through music, nature, science, math, language, art, construction, social interactions, and personal contemplation comparable to any center preschool. Our program offers even more by being part of The Outdoor Classroom Project, which supports us through trainings, funding ideas, activity ideas, and visits from other Outdoor Classrooms. It is our hope to be a Recognized Site for The Outdoor Classroom Project by 2015.

While preparing children for their future we realize it is most important to connect with their families. Our inclusive program continues to expand as we focus on children s strengths to overcome their challenges. Part of this work is assessing their development and meeting to communicate this information with their parents. The team approach of consistency and caring with each child s parent(s) will reinforce collaborated values both caregiver and family have. Following work with families we also work to develop a sense of community. This teaches children and families that they are not alone and can ask for help in many ways. Support and collaboration with families helps children feel safe and secure allowing them to focus on thinking, discovering, and just having joy in the everyday of childhood.

Through working with a few children, in mixed ages we hope to help children find good in themselves and confidence in their ideas, and the persistence to work out their ideas to fruition. For in achieving this children will find self confidence to make great things happen in our world. We work to make their time with us happy; for happy childhoods truly last a lifetime.