Curriculum

We believe children learn through play, exploring their physical world and developing social relationships. We respect the role parents and family members play in the lives of children as their first teachers. We build caring relationships with children and families and then develop learning experiences for children that expand their understanding of their world.

The pace of our curriculum, the complexity of our routines, and our daily schedule reflect young childrens need for adequate space, time and materials. Childrens days show a balance of individual and group experiences, one-on-one interactions with caring adults, structure that is flexible to meet changing needs, and an acknowledgement and respect for the complexity of childrens families lives.

Outdoor play is a valuable part of our curriculum, therefore it is a part of our daily routine. Considering it as an extension of the classroom, our teachers plan for outside time just as they do for other parts of the daily schedule. Outdoor experiences provide children with new opportunities for learning, including physical development, and an opportunity to learn about the world around them.

Based on the research of prominent child development theorists, including Piaget and Vygotsky, as well as the more recent work of early childhood educators, we provide a curriculum that seeks to optimize the intellectual, social, emotional, creative and physical development of each child.

Our curriculum offers a developmentally appropriate balance of individual and group experiences and an environment in which children learn through increasingly complex play and exploration. Weekly lesson plans are individualized so that each childs developmental needs and challenges are addressed in an inclusive model. Driven by the current interests of the classrooms, teachers plan activities designed to address research-based goals for children in the following areas:

Social emotional development:
Including a positive self-image, empathy
and social negotiation skills.

Gross and fine motor skills:
Including self-care skills; appropriate use
of tools, such as scissors, markers and
measuring cups; and an active lifestyle.

Cognitive development:
Including literacy, math and science skills.

Creative skills:
Including problem solving, project
planning and personal expression.

View a sample lesson plan by clicking on the photos below: