About
Make Way For Ducklings, Inc.
Our Program
At Make Way for Ducklings we value the lives of children as we know you value their learning experiences. We work to help each child in an enthusiastic atmosphere to promote their individual needs of cognitive, emotional, physical and social development.
We offer a 2 day (Tue/Thurs), 3 day (Mon/Wed/Fri) or 5 day program with drop off and pick up times varying from 7:30am to 4:30pm. We have a rolling admission accepting children under the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care regulations starting at the age of 15 months through the age of 5.
Goals
Our aim at Make Way for Ducklings is three-fold:
- To provide sound educational techniques evidenced by happy children and smooth program operations.
- To provide sensitivity to children’s needs which will afford each child with experiences in human relationships and self-awareness.
- To provide a welcome atmosphere for all.
Objectives
These objectives are important planning tools in defining and implementing our curriculum. They relate to the development, motivation and self activation of children.
- To experience a sense of self-esteem and exhibit a positive attitude toward life.
- To demonstrate cooperative, pro-social behavior.
- To acquire learning and problem-solving skills and expand logical thinking skills.
- To learn through the use of all five senses.
Make Way for Ducklings
Opened in 1981 under the directorship of Ann DeNucci Rogalski. For over 40 years MWFD has served as a pillar in the Western Mass. Community and has continually set the standard for quality early education and care. The program continues under the directorship of Rachel Szlachetka, adding over 20 years of professional experience in the field of early education. Rachel holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Westfield State University and has extensive experience in the early education field, including, but not limited to infant/ toddler care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten education, as well as early intervention.
Philosophy
MWFD philosophy is to foster each child's development to his or her full potential: cognitively, emotionally, physically, and socially. This goal is accomplished by providing a warm and stimulating environment in which children can learn and grow. At MWFD we help children build self-esteem as they learn to exercise self-control, and to interact with their peers and teachers, both as individuals and in group situations. Hands-on experiences are provided in and out of the classroom. The enriched curriculum includes field trips and special programming in the areas of physical education and music.
Testimonials