Our Curriculum
Our teacher-led, curriculum is an academically developmentally appropriate approach to early childhood education. It recognizes the importance of early literacy. In our program we promote traditional, lecture style , instruction lessons, and activities. Teachers direct active hands-on learning in the class that promote literacy skills, math skills, science, and social skills.
In a child-led, play-based curriculum, our teachers provide a variety of materials and opportunities for play and exploration. These may include sensory materials like sand, water, and playdough; open-ended toys like blocks and dolls; art supplies like paint and crayons; and books and music. Our teachers may also set up different play areas or centers, such as a block area, a dress-up area, and a sensory table, to allow children to explore different types of play and learning.
In our program our teachers set a time that allows for plenty of unstructured play time. This may include outdoor play, free play, and group activities like music and movement, story time, and circle time. Our teachers encourage children to follow their interests and explore their environment, while also providing gentle guidance and redirection when needed.
The child-led, play-based curriculum recognizes that children learn through play, and that their natural curiosity and creativity should be encouraged and supported. The caregiver does not impose a rigid lesson plan or set of learning objectives, but instead allows the child to develop their own interests and explore their own ideas. This approach supports the development of problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social and emotional skills like self-regulation and empathy.
Our teacher-led, curriculum also places a strong emphasis on building positive relationships with each child. Our teachers strive to create a warm, nurturing, and responsive environment that promotes trust and connection. Our teachers provide opportunities for children to prepare for kindergarten, engage in meaningful conversation, share their feelings and ideas, and build relationships with one another.
Overall, our child-led/teacher-led, play-based curriculum is a developmentally appropriate approach to early childhood education that recognizes the importance of child-initiated play and exploration in promoting learning and growth. We strive to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages children to explore, learn, and grow in a way that is natural and enjoyable.