Philosophy
Shiloh Preschool is a half-day, church based program for ages 2.5-5. We are located on the westside of Cincinnati in Delhi. We have been in operation since 1978.
Shiloh’s curriculum is designed by our skilled teachers to meet the individual needs of all children in the areas of cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development. Mixed-age groups allows the learning to be scaffolded by not only the teacher and the environment but by our students. Two- year placements allow our classrooms to become a relationship- driven environment, empowering teachers to develop the strong, secure bonds needed for optimal learning to take place. Play-based learning is at the heart of what we do, our curriculum is child-led, guided by our observations of our students and their interests. Inspired by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, we value the child as central to their own learning, not simply an empty vessel waiting to be filled with knowledge. Children are able to pursue their own interests and revisit and build upon ideas at their own pace. We believe development is a continuum and take that approach to potty training as well. We welcome students from every area of the continuum.
Shiloh Preschool also supports the Conscious Discipline philosophy. All staff follow the Conscious Discipline framework that includes: Safety and self- regulation, Connection, positive school climate, problem-solving and mindfulness in adults.
Conscious Discipline is an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach that received high ratings in 8 of 10 categories in a Harvard analysis of the nation’s top 25 social-emotional learning programs. The Harvard study’s authors say, “Conscious Discipline provides an array of behavior management strategies and classroom structures that teachers can use to turn everyday situations into learning opportunities.”
The latest research suggests that our students are having less unstructured, outdoor time than ever before. Shiloh Preschool believes that being connected to the world around us is just as important as being connected to one another. Outside time is a part of our daily schedule as well as learning how to be good stewards of the land and honoring the seasonal changes in various ways. Our staff support the old adage that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
The Shiloh Preschool approach is designed to be connected and in relationship. Nothing is left in isolation. Everything is alive and connected. Students, teachers and families join together to continually improve the system that supports our school community.