The single greatest resource of Imagine Nation Academy is our program staff. Program educators are carefully selected to exemplify INA’s commitment to high-quality educational enrichment and to ensure that the growth and needs of our participants are the center of our interactions and nurturing care. Educators in each group will work to establish trusting relationships with participants so that children will feel safe to express their feelings and supported to experiment with new skills. Educators work collaboratively to deliver a planned curriculum that is stimulating, flexible, and accounts for the intellectual and developmental needs of all children in care. As the cognitive abilities of children grow, we will continue to provide opportunities to practice new skills. Children will be encouraged to think critically and creatively through the exploration of open-ended materials, opportunities for experimentation, and exposure to new experiences. Program educators introduce and continually reinforce The 5 R’s by delivering age-appropriate activities that are theme-based, engaging, and challenging. Children will spend time each day participating in learning activities, working on homework, and engaging in physical activity. Children are encouraged to develop peer relationships. Educators will facilitate friendships where appropriate, but will also allow for periods of uninterrupted play between children. Program educators and curriculum will help children to recognize their own feelings and those of others, and to successfully negotiate conflicts as they arise. Per licensing regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, a 1:13 staff to child ratio is always ensured; however, INA will always strive to provide a staff-to-child ratio that is better suited to support the needs of the children enrolled in our care.