Dr. Rosemary Burton, Vice President of Education for Minnieland Academy recently spent several weeks working with an organization that is bringing western curriculum practices to Chinese children and families.
The Chinese government is looking at the successful practices in education in America and is encouraging western experts to provide training to Chinese teachers in preschool programs, all while using the Virginia daycare and child care center as a guide.
“It is rewarding to see the numbers of Chinese parents that come out for my presentations,” says Dr. Burton, who has traveled to China three times in the past three years on behalf of Minnieland Academy. They have done their research online and know what they want, which is curriculum methods that emphasize developmentally appropriate practice for their children.”
During her trip, Dr. Burton visited preschools in Beijing and in Xi’an, presenting in front of hundreds of parents interested in providing their children with the best possible education models.
These models, used daily by the Virginia daycare and child care center encourage creativity, innovation and problem solving for the children and their families. The American preschool model was characterized by “Developmentally Appropriate Practice,” and established at Minnieland Academy
“Parents in China have been limited to one child per family and educational success of that one child is a life goal for Chinese families that takes precedence over every other family priority,” says Chuck Leopold, founder of the daycare and child care center. “Minnieland Academy believes this model is one that is valued by these parents, and will help realize their goals.”
In addition to the presentations, Dr. Burton conducted multiple trainings for teachers during her time in the two major cities. Teachers were taught through an English translator, taking notes, and participating in western style training activities that included hands-on practice with real materials.
Although this was a new way of approaching teaching, Minnieland Academy believes the parents and teachers in attendance were left excited and committed to learning a radically different approach to teaching young children.
Dr. Burton says the feedback she has received from teachers who attended her workshop include positive changes in the areas of independence, problem solving, creativity and social relations.
Due to this progress, Dr. Burton has been asked to return in January 2015 to visit both the current schools in the program and additional schools that are coming on board, on behalf of the Virginia daycare and child care center. She has also received an invitation to visit Nepal to work with teachers in that country.
“We look forward to spreading the format of success that we use at Minnieland Academy,” said Dr. Burton.
Minnieland Academy offers open enrollment year-round. More information can be found at www.Minnieland.com.
About Minnieland Academy:
For 43 years, Minnieland Academy has been part of the Prince William community. Since the daycare’s inception, it has brought love, care, jobs and an overall better way of life for surrounding families. The child care facility features a dedicated staff that provides a safe and secure environment as well as an enriching educational experience for children.
For information contact:
Gina Dabney, Director of Marketing
703-680-2548, ext 3256
FAX: 703-580-1839
SOURCE: Minnieland Academy
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