Arsenal Family and Children's Center

Our philosphy is built on more than 50 years of observation, careful study, and work with young children. During this time we have learned two things that are essential to the healthy development of children: 1) opportunities for active learning through play and 2) the passionate involvement of an adult in their lives. To facilitate active learning through play, afcc specializes in play experiences that invite children to explore, create, and manipulate ideas and objects that are important to them. Through active participation with toys, materials and the natural environment children learn in personally meaningfuly ways, accomplishing two broad goals. 1. Develop the entire child intellectually, emotionally, psychosocially, and physically by significantly influencing a child's ability to successfully manage life events and facilitating the development of such skills as self-awareness, impulse control, zeal, self-motivation and empathy. 2. Transmit essential human values including, respect, compassion, and honesty through the use of unstructured but guided play time, and positive adult guidance and modeling.the passionate involvement of an adult who is devoted to that child's well-being and development is paramount to each child's intellectual, emotional, psychosocial, and physical development. Afcc offers parents and families opportunites to build and nurture this relationship through the programs offered at our friendship location, as well as through guest speakers, educational and resouce materials, and parent consultations.