The Goddard School

Learning for Fun, Learning for Life

By Kathleen Boehmig

In 2009, Mary Kay Buquoi and her husband, Matt, sought out the best possible school for their daughter Madisons early childhood education. They wanted a friendly, stimulating learning environment, where the teachers and staff hold the students best interests at heart, provide intelligent strategies for socialization, and use their skills and imagination to see that each child is nurtured as a unique, valuable individual. They found it at The Goddard School of Cumming. After their daughters wonderful experience there, the Buquois purchased the Hickory Flat/Canton school in 2011, and they have been thrilled to continue providing the high-caliber tradition of The Goddard School to area students, including their son Brayden, since 2012.

Mary Kay, who taught kindergarten for five years and ESOL and EIP for two years, also holds a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, a Masters Degree in Educational Research and a certificate in Special Curriculum Instruction and Teacher Leadership. She is a self-described master of differentiation.

I know how to structure and implement positive behavior management plans. I can help teachers figure out what to do to help each individual child, Mary Kay explains. We have a family-oriented philosophy, and we want to keep the children, parents and teachers happy.

The Goddard Schools four-pronged approach emphasizes fun while learning, individualized development, educational enrichment programs and specially trained teachers.

Mary Kay says, We wholeheartedly embrace The Goddard School philosophy of using the most current academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun, while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Teachers collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners. To that end, The Goddard School combines proven, play-based methods, such as circle time and exploration, with cutting-edge technology. We stay ahead of the game in the area of educational technology, which is constantly changing, Mary Kay says. But making learning fun is at the core of our program. Each day, our highly trained teachers guide the children as they select activities and materials to explore and use creatively.

Daily enrichment programs foster childrens self-esteem and set the foundation for a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. Students are also encouraged to take part in special programs such as science fairs, book drives and the recent Root for Earth campaign, which celebrates the environment.

Diligent hiring practices ensure that the best people work at The Goddard School. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and accredited training through Goddard Systems University. Mary Kay says, Our teachers use proven, play-based methods to nurture healthy development in children and encourage a lifelong love of learning.

The Goddard School accepts students from infancy through kindergarten, with before- and after-school programs available for students up to age twelve. Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace academically and socially, and are taught accordingly. We know what each childs interests are, and we believe that if students can grasp a concept, they deserve to be encouraged, and we give it to them, Mary Kay says. We dont hold them back.

The F.L.EX. Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), a comprehensive play-based curriculum developed by early childhood education experts, provides programs such as sign language, yoga, Spanish, computers and world cultures to enhance students education. As well, students get to enjoy a diverse learning experience, both inside and outside. Goddard School playgrounds are an extension of the classroom. Teachers provide outdoor playtime and plan nature walks, picnics and other outdoor learning opportunities.

At The Goddard School in Hickory Flat/Canton, Mary Kay says, We love what we do! We are more than a typical daycare; we are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in our community. Our unique nurturing approach will give your child the opportunity to develop into a joyful, confident learner, who
is prepared for success in school and in life.

The Goddard School
For Early Childhood Development
Canton/Hickory Flat
140 Foster Road, Woodstock, GA 30188
770-720-1311

http://www.goddardschool.com/
Facebook.com/GoddardSchoolCantonIGA