Gentle Dragon Preschool

Parent Cooperative | Core Values

Gentle Dragon Preschool is guided by a set of core values that support our students during these important developmental years.

Respect for the group

At Gentle Dragon, we highly value the group and the individual's contribution to the larger community. We encourage inclusive play, mutual responsibility, cooperation and self respect — the building blocks for a child's first friendships outside family relationships. We encourage the kind of problem-solving that keeps the group safe, active and cooperative. As parents and teachers, we model healthy group interactions by working together to run the school.

Respect for self

We recognize and value the unique differences of each individual and continually strive to foster respect for one's choice of play, dress, culture and ideas. We discover each of our special gifts and abilities — and build on these strengths in our hours spent at school.

We promote self-esteem by recognizing each individual's level of ability and encouraging and supporting successes. We foster an atmosphere of learning in which children feel free to make mistakes — the crucial first step in learning. We pay attention to children's ideas. By doing so, we instill a belief in each child that his or her ideas, thoughts and feelings have value.

School is a place to feel safe

A peaceful school is a non-violent school, so we work together to maintain a kind and safe environment. We use words to resolve conflicts and demonstrate a respectful regard for friends, teachers, parent helpers, pets and materials. We learn to express our needs and feelings without hurting each other physically or emotionally. We take the points of view of others and think before we act or speak.

Curiosity and love of learning

Gentle Dragon fosters a love of learning by supporting a child's natural curiosity, perseverance, confidence and risk-taking in a safe environment. We encourage a sense of humor. We value fun and the joy of discovery.