The Team GBN Approach

At GBN we believe that relationships are key to learning.  We also know that young children learn best through play and exploration in safe, beautiful and natural environments.  We are committed to hiring professional educators who know what to do and how to do it to maximize your child’s potential.  They are intentional and loving.  They care about each child and individualize learning.  Our teachers respect the child’s culture and language and create meaningful family and community connections.

  • Relationships are central.
  • Play is the primary context for learning.
  • Safe, aesthetically pleasing and natural environments encourage learning. 
  • Learning is integrated.
  • Intentional teaching enhances children's learning experiences.
  • Family and community partnerships create meaningful connections.
  • Individualization of learning includes all children.
  • Responsiveness to culture and language supports children's learning.
  • Time for reflection and planning enhances teaching.

Our Mission

The Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care and Learning Center establishes a partnership with families to support their children's development and models excellence in early childhood education.

REGGIO INSPIRED

The Gertrude B. Nielsen Center has been influenced by the principals of the Reggio Emilia Approach to the education of children birth-six. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based on the idea that early years of development form who children are as individuals. The approach is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment driven by the interests of the children. Find out more at North American Reggio Emilia Alliance.

THE FISH PHILOSOPHY

Our team GBN activities are inspired by the training video, Fish, which is based on the World Famous Pikes Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington and the book by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen which shows us how we all can make a working environment, work for everyone.

THE FISH PHILOSOPHY INCLUDES FOUR SIMPLE, INTERCONNECTED PRACTICES

BE THERE 

is being emotionally present for people

PLAY

taps into your natural way of being creative, enthusiastic and having fun

MAKE THEIR DAY 

is finding simple ways to serve or delight people in a meaningful, memorable way

CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE 

means taking responsibility for how you respond to what life throws at you

THROUGH THE FISH PHILOSOPHY, WE BUILD STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE TEAM MEMBERS WE WORK WITH, THE FAMILIES WE SERVE, THE CHILDREN WE TEACH AND THE PEOPLE WE LOVE.