Philosophy
Children are like tiny flowers: They are varied and need care, but each is beautiful alone and glorious when seen in the community of peers. -F. Froebel
A Loving and Nurturing Environment with Respect for the Individual
Children thrive best when they are emotionally secure. We promote this by building positive relationships that are based on trust in a loving and welcoming atmosphere. We believe that each child is unique and should be treated and respected accordingly. It is crucial to understand each child's personality in order to provide the best possible care.
Our teachers provide an example and encourage children to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others. We believe in holistic child development whereby even when focusing on one aspect of the child's development, we consider the whole person.
A Challenging and Stimulating Play-based Learning Environment
We offer tremendous opportunities for learning and growing in all major developmental areas taking into account the children's interests. We believe that children learn best by experiencing and through play, be it a self-initiated or teacher-led activity. We use varied and flexible approaches and teaching methods to support learning in all areas tailored to the children's individual needs.
We build on what children already know and extend their interests. We provide hands-on experiences for the children, whereby they exercise and challenge all their senses. Children will take part in experiments and observations to shed light on how things work. Our goal is to lay a strong foundation for their future learning.
Loving and Professional Teachers
Our educators are loving and dedicated. They are all highly motivated and talented. Each classroom has two teachers during the entire day: a native English speaker who works closely together with a qualified Hungarian kindergarten teacher who is fluent in English. We celebrate our multicultural community. Apple Tree has developed a relevant curriculum upon which teachers base their detailed yearly plan that is tailored to the needs of each group.
Promoting Resilience
We encourage and help children become autonomous, independent, responsible and empathetic by teaching them how to communicate with others, solve problems and successfully handle negative thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
Safe, Secure and Suitable Facilities
Our children's safety is of utmost importance to us and relevant actions have been taken throughout our premises. Apple Tree is equipped to a high standard both in the classrooms and outdoors with consideration to the different age groups. Our playground complies with EU standards.
We are proud of our well-equipped gymnasium, art room, children's library, speech therapy room and piano room. Children and parents are greeted in our welcoming reception area. Our classrooms are bright, spacious and face our beautiful garden. Thinking of the safety of our youngest children, we designed a separate outdoor play area adjoining the young nursery classroom.
Learning to Be Independent
We have created an enabling environment which motivates children to experience as much as possible independently throughout their daily activities. Thus providing numerous opportunities for them to experience success. Using this approach, we support children and develop their confidence.
Being Healthy
We encourage children to develop an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food. Our weekly schedule includes daily mini gym and feet exercise as well as gym sessions twice a week. We spend a large proportion of our time outdoors. Activities take place in our garden, whenever the weather allows. We make good use of the lush, green parks and forests of Budapest on a regular basis.
Apple Tree provides healthy meals and snacks four times a day. The children will be involved in the process of growing and preparing healthy fruit and vegetables.
Environmental Awareness
We put great emphasis on the appreciation and protection of nature. Related projects are part of our annual plan. (E.g. World Water Day, Earth Day, Birds' and Trees' Day). We observe the changes in nature throughout the seasons, both in our garden and in our extended surroundings. We are actively involved in maintaining our fruit trees and our vegetable patch. We would like our children to experience the cycle of life from planting a seed to enjoying the harvested vegetables and fruit. We teach our children about composting by regularly disposing our organic waste to our compost. We raise awareness to the importance of recycling and re-using of materials.
Positive Attitude to Diversity and Difference
Every child is included. They learn to value diversity in others and grow up making a positive contribution to society. We teach our children to be open, accepting the cultures of different nationalities. Apple Tree believes in offering equal opportunities to every child.
Parents as Partners
Parents know their children best. They are their first and most enduring educators. When parents and teachers work together, the results have a positive impact on the child's development and learning. Therefore, we maintain a strong relationship with parents for the best possible care of their children. We foster honest and open communication on a daily basis.