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The educational approach in Early Childhood is a healthy balance between a supportive environment and a challenging one. We strive to help each child develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually, and to fulfill his or her potential in a structured, yet nurturing setting that fosters self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Our age appropriate curriculum allows children to explore ideas and develop skills through art, music and movement, dramatic play, blocks, language arts, social studies, and math. Field trips, interactive science experiments, and readiness activities in reading and math further enhance the program. Small and full group work sparks curiosity and creativity, and encourages children to observe, experiment, solve problems, and acquire basic skills. These activities are designed to encourage independence, while providing warm and supportive relationships with adults. The development of communication skills and an appreciation of language arts are emphasized throughout the program.
Social Studies stirs a child’s curiosity about the world around him. The students are encouraged to explore a variety of topics which form the core of the early childhood curriculum integrating Math, Language Arts, Science, and the Arts.
Math encourages learning through experiment, investigation, discovery, construction, and discussion. Daily classroom experiences provide opportunities for the children to actively engage in mathematical thinking. Using a variety of materials, children work on patterns, numbers and attributes. Topics such as relationships, one-to-one correspondence, classification, measurement, counting and graphing are introduced. Logical and flexible problem-solving develops critical thinking.
Language Arts includes spoken and written language. Our curriculum consists of storytelling, dramatics and poetry, literature and labeling. Emphasis is placed on verbal expression, vocabulary development, and use of idiom and grammar. Language Arts provides time for children to talk, frame their thoughts and sequence their ideas.
Science builds on a child’s natural interest in the world. Projects are experimental and exploratory. Children are asked to observe and make assumptions about why things happen. Noting similarities and differences, testing, touching, smelling and tasting gives them an opportunity to think about what they are learning and time to use their imaginations.
Motor and Outdoor Activities are designed to benefit physical development, social interaction and cooperation. In the gymnasium and outdoor play areas, basic skills are introduced in ways appropriate to the growth and progress of young children.
Art, Music, and Drama are integrated throughout the day as relevant to the curriculum and as needed for the children to express their creative talents. A wide variety of art materials are used and visual observation skills encouraged. Our Music program helps children to understand selected aspects of music, particularly rhythm. Dramatizations, usually informal, are a joyous part of our program.
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