Curriculum
Our comprehensive early childhood curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs and differences of all children. Throughout the day students are engaged in a wide variety of stimulating, enriching activities. These activities are carefully planned so that students are exposed to large-group, small-group, and one-on-one teacher time. Our day has a structure with flexibility so we may focus on each child’s interests and abilities. Our curriculum covers many subject areas such as literacy, mathematics, science, technology, health and nutrition, creative expression, arts, social studies, and languages. The curriculum engages students through different and exciting monthly themes along with encompassing all aspects of a child’s developmental domain (social, emotional, cognitive, and physical).
Social growth focuses on the development of skills for interacting with others. Social skills such as cooperating, negotiating, and problem-solving can only be obtained in real-life situations such as the classroom. Our classroom activities are designed to provide children with opportunities to develop necessary social skills. Students develop independence and can make decisions while actively exploring new ideas and experiences.
Emotional growth refers to the development of self-esteem and self-control. We believe it is important to foster positive self-esteem by caring, paying attention, and listening when students are speaking. They are encouraged to explore new things and if mistakes happen, these are valuable lessons for the student’s confidence that we build on. We continually offer positive praise and encouragement. Students feel more secure and have better self-control when there are clear rules. Students are aware of what to expect in the classroom and are given gentle reminders when needed.
Cognitive growth centers on the mind and how it works. By using a multiple intelligence approach to our curriculum, children have the opportunity to discover the way they learn best. Letter and number recognition, letter sounds, and letter and number formation can be great fun when students are learning them through multiple mediums. Whether it’s learning them through dancing, singing, playing games, making a recipe, writing in colored shaving cream, paint bags, play dough; we learn in many exciting and inventive ways.
Physical growth centers on the development of the body and physical health. During outdoor play children are provided the opportunity to run, climb, jump and play independently. During indoor play our program includes yoga, brain gym and basic physical fitness. It is designed to be integrated into all aspects of the day in order to develop motor skills and for physical fitness.
Individual assessments are performed at the beginning and end of the year with a recheck in the middle of the year. Throughout the year children are observed and assessed for other strength and needs.
Results are shared with parents and conferences discuss student progress. Assessments are also use to identify children that may require referral to the local public school for diagnostic assessment.