Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education

The Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education

Philosophy

The Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education's philosophy is grounded in social constructivism and inquiry-based learning. Children are capable, competent and able to build their knowledge through exploration and social interaction.

Relationships with caring and responsive teachers are not only children’s rights, but are crucial to their growth, learning and development. These relationships help children to nurture their curiosity, to develop questions and to hypothesize about possible connections so that they may make meaning of their world.

The Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education sees parents as children’s first teachers. Teachers and college students are seen as their second teachers, and the environment is seen as their third teacher. Special consideration is given to the materials that are chosen for optimal learning opportunities and how the teachers construct the spaces where children will play, learn and interact with others.

Connections to SDSU

The program is in conjunction with the Early Childhood Education Program at SDSU. The classrooms are led by SDSU faculty, who not only teach children, but also support and mentor college students while they gain hands-on experience in teaching. One of the components to the program is our observation booths where families and SDSU students can observe and learn from children engaging in activities in an unobtrusive manner.

Contact Us:

For more information please contact the program coordinators.

  • For enrollment questions, contact Laura Gloege at 605-688-6477.
  • For potential collaborations and out-of-school-time questions, contact Jen Johnson at 605-688-4751.
Testimonials
Our family believes the center’s focus on relationships and inquiry-based practices has given our children the best academic and personal growth opportunities. The teachers understand the importance of relationship-building with children, parents, and the community to provide excellence in childhood education. The relaxed atmosphere of the center, coupled with the warmth and accessibility of teachers, enables parents to connect with teachers easily. The teachers listen to children and parents to provide the best experience. The teachers’ strong connection with the community and professional childhood experiences enables them to share opportunities and resources that can provide growth to children outside of the classroom. The center’s philosophy values adaptability to the different needs of children and providing accommodations so all children can reach their potential. We love that mentor teachers stay informed on the latest scientific-based research in childhood development and teaching methods and pursue professional development opportunities to provide excellence in childhood education.

~Matthew and Lisa Elliott
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