Family Owned CFLC Mission Statement CFLC Philosophy

Family Owned

Children First Learning Center, Inc. is an Indiana state licensed center that offers quality childcare and education for children ages 6 weeks thru 10 years. Children First Learning Center was established in 2004 by Candace D. Ziese, with the help of her husband, Kenneth Ziese. Candace works at the center taking care of administrative duties and Ken keeps busy running Ziese and Sons Excavating, Inc. with his family. Ken and Candace have one very active son named, Kenny. It was the lack of quality childcare for Kenny, which inspired Candace to start Children First Learning Center. The center’s main building opened on April 5, 2004 and on August 24, 2008 the center was expanded; opening a Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten in the house located next to the building. It is always our goal at CFLC to offer excellent quality care and education in a safe and secure environment that allows children to grow, learn and express themselves freely. As the owner, Candace takes great pride in being able to offer personalized care due to her ability to be hands-on in the daily operations at the center.

CFLC Mission Statement

Children are born with a curiosity about the world; our teachers prepare the environment for children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, other children and materials. Underthe guidance of our teachers, we will recognize individual needs and provide age-appropriate care and learning in a safe and open environment. Our goal is to help build children with self-confidence and a strong sense of self-direction. Children who feel good about themselves enjoy what they are doing and make great learners. In an environment where children are encouraged to make choices, they are able to both experience the arts and have fun while learning. Using a hands-on approach allows a child to take an active role in the learning process.

This is our promise to you.

The Staff Of, Children First Learning Center

CFLC Philosophy

Early childhood research shows that young children learn primarily through play. Play is an essential part of childhood. It offers the freedom children need to try new ideas, practice developing skills, and imitate adult roles. It allows children to learn social skills and develop friendships. Children are knowledge builders. They apply what they have already learned to different situations. Exploring, discovering, questioning, and guessing are important activities. Readiness skills are developed through play, and concepts are formed. Children gain a sense of mastery through their activities. They become the active decision-makers in their own scenarios. Our center promotes the development of the child through play. We believe that children learn through active hands on involvement with materials, equipment, and activities. During active play, a child’s mind, body, and emotions develop, and true learning takes place. We encourage children to be independent in basic care routines (e.g. brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, etc.) because these routines can provide as much opportunity for meaningful learning to occur as experiences planned in the interest areas of the classroom. Our goal is to provide a stimulating, sensitive environment that supports the child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Children learn how to form positive, caring, and cooperative relationships by interacting with children and adults. Through these interactions, children learn to get along with others. When a child experiences success in play and is encouraged to make choices, communicate thoughts and feelings in a positive way, and accept responsibility for actions, the child learns social skills needed throughout life. Early childhood play experiences affect learning and personal growth throughout life. Thus, our objective is to assist families in the task of providing a strong foundation for their child’s future development.