Program Philosophy and Objectives
Play-based Philosophy
Our developmentally appropriate and child-centered program promotes hands-on, active learning for children ages 2-5. Children learn best with purposeful play-based lesson plans that foster learning through exploration and encourage independence. Our teachers work individually with each child to develop positive self-esteem, social competency, essential skills in literacy and math, and a love of learning.
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As children play, they learn about the world and themselves. They develop new social and emotional skills, enrich their imaginations, test new ideas, grow in mastery of their bodies, and explore essential literacy and math concepts. Our activities and projects are designed to value the process more than the finished product, allowing children to be creative and inventive.
Program and Curriculum Objectives
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We respect each child’s individual time table for growth and development. Children learn at their own pace through teacher-supported activities. The Early Childhood Center uses the Creative Curriculum® for Preschool as the keystone of our child-centered, play-based program.
The Creative Curriculum® is soundly based on years of research in the areas of learning theory and child development. A lot of focus is placed on the important social and emotional skills that a child needs to succeed. Using our curriculum, we encourage children to reach their full potential in eight areas:
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Social and Emotional Development
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Problem Solving Skills
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Literacy
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Math
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Science
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Social Studies
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The Arts
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Technology
Strategies used range from child-initiated to teacher directed. There are distinct aspects always considered in lesson planning. These include the children's backgrounds, knowledge and interest, as well as the parent's skills and talents, along with the teachers' ideas from their own experiences.
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The classrooms are organized into interest areas that promote hands-on, child-initiated, and open-ended exploration. Teachers routinely observe the children interacting with each other, the adults and the learning materials in their environment. These observations become the basis for future lesson plans as well as the two yearly assessments that are completed and shared with parents.
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The Creative Curriculum® for preschool provides the framework. The experienced staff at ECC makes it meaningful for their class and the individual students and is therefore able to offer a unique high-quality early childhood experience to your child.