PRESCHOOL PROGRAM GOALS

12 months - 29 months

Toddler Curriculum is implemented on a daily basis.

Toddlers learn through exploration. They are beginning to have structure in their day. Our curriculum combines teacher directed activities to fulfill toddler milestones. Morning circle time includes a variety of activities to foster language development and sensory exploration like story time, music, dance, song and finger plays. Toddler teachers work on an individual basis with each student while others rotate to activity centers such as art, puzzles, blocks and toys. Our toddler lesson plans also include indoor and outdoor manipulative activities geared to developing the child's motor skills.

30 months - 3 years

Preschool Curriculum

Each accomplishment fills 2 and 3 year olds with pride and a desire to learn more. They are active learners with a natural curiosity of the world around them and have endless energy. When children turn 3, they become more social and develop language skills rapidly. They begin to understand various concepts and think more symbolically and logically. Little Scholars provides a rich learning environment where children are encouraged to explore and are challenged to learn, while making friends and developing self confidence.

Our child centered curriculum combines teacher guided activities with time for free choice, play, and socialization. Children choose from activities such as free and cooperative play, science and nature, art, writing and reading, math, and block building. During circle time, our little ones share books, music, songs, and their experiences together. Our outdoor play area offers a fun climbing / slide structure, riding area for trikes and other wheel toys designed to develop the children's physical skills, motor skills, and coordination.

We provide opportunities for discovery and hands on experiences, which combine creative expression and skill building. Our teachers also provide individual attention to support children's unique needs.

4-5 years

Extensive Kindergarten Readiness Program

Pre-k Curriculum includes an Early Literacy reading program. Letter / sound recognition and beginning phonics.

4 and 5 years olds are in a phase of wonder and exploration, where children want to learn more about the things they find most fascinating. Our classes are designed for each child to acquire the skills and concepts necessary for later success in school. We provide opportunities for children to explore things that are interesting and meaningful to them. When children learn through play they develop a deeper love and appreciation for learning we trust will last a lifetime.

Many of the learning competencies begin emerging in the pre-k years and continue to develop throughout kindergarten. Our teachers work on the children's skill levels, using an emergent approach through playful and meaningful activities.

The curriculum content areas and developmental indicators for the pre-k class include:

• Approaches to Learning - choice making and problem solving
• Arts - visual arts, culinary arts, dramatic art, music
• Mathematics - numbers, sorting and matching, patterns, space
• Science - classification of objects, time, similarities and differences, exploration, study of nature
• Social Studies - group routines, awareness of the community
• Language, Literacy, and Communication - interest in reading, writing, story telling
• Social and Emotional Development - express feelings, building relationships with children and adults
• Physical Development, Health and Well Being - knowledge of health, creative movement, self help skills

Preschool Curriculum

Balance

Interactive, playful and inspiring, our preschool program consists of small and large group activities designed to facilitate development in language, motor and cognitive skills as well as in reading, math, and social skills. The developmentally appropriate curriculum promotes kindergarten preparation and readiness.

Learning Environment

There is a balance of child-directed and teacher-directed activities, which are included throughout the day. Developmentally, play is a vital component of the program. Play facilitates problem solving, social interaction, communication skills, and increases cognitive growth.

Empowerment

The Little Scholars curriculum prepares children to get along well with others and become enthusiastic learners. We provide a purposeful and interesting learning environment that helps children grow in all areas, with the goal to prepare each child for success in school.

Our program allows the child to plan and carry out activities at the Center of his or her choice. These include blocks, dramatic play, science, a sensory table, art center, and a listening / story area. Our teachers integrate children's spontaneous, day to day discoveries, interests, and curiosity into established learning goals and activities. When teachers incorporate children's ideas into their experiences, the child's self esteem is enhanced, and over time, this will support them in becoming self directed learners.

Goals

Our teachers engage in observing, guiding, learning and assessing children's progress to ensure each child's experience is rewarding and meaningful. Curriculum goals for each age are the focus.

Communication

Parent communication is facilitated through activity calendars, newsletters, conferences, and other specific events throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to become active members of our team assisting during the day or observing in the classroom.