Album Notes

Mission

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an interactive, hands-on environment that inspires learning and encourages self-directed exploration.


Statement of Values
The GRCM:

-Recognizes and respects all children, their families and
the communities they represent.

-Provides programs and services designed to meet the
variety of ways that children learn and enhance their
self-esteem.

-Provides an environment that encourages cooperation,
problem-solving and life long learning.

-Encourages play as a tool for learning and
strengthening relationships(bringing people together).



Educational Philosophy

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum believes that children learn best through play and self-directed activity.

The museum provides an environment filled with broad-based, open-ended manipulatives for children to explore and utilize as active learners, in their own creative manner. These materials suit the needs and interests of learners at diverse levels of development, and are presented in ways that foster social and collaborative interaction.

GRCM supports the learner by providing choice, by permitting children to make their own plans and decisions and to solve problems encountered, and by offering words of support as needed. We adhere to the principles of "Developmentally Appropriate Practices" and the theory of "Multiple Intelligences" and strive to create exhibits and programs that allow children to use all of their sensory pathways to learning in a safe environment.


The Grand Rapids Children's Museum offers:
* Numerous areas/exhibits for children's play and
exploration.
* School and club field trips receive group rates.
* The facility is available for booking after hours
special events.
* The BIGONZO! Room can be rented for birthday parties and
festive occasions.
* Thingamajigs gift shop is open during Museum hours.
* PALS memberships are available.
* Helping Hand volunteer opportunities are available.


Admission
$5.00 per person
PALS members and children under two are FREE!

Hours of Operation:
-Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
-Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Family Night,
$1 admission)
-Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.
-Open Mondays during the summer, visit www.grcm.org for more information!

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum is located at:
11 Sheldon Ave. N.E.
Phone: (616) 235-4726
Fax: (616) 235-4728
Web site: http://www.grcm.org.