Preschool Program
Introduction
A curriculum appropriate for our preschool age children is implemented in each room with attention to the needs, interests and developmental levels of those individual children. The curriculum provides for all areas of the child's development and learning.
Activities & Interaction
Learning as an interactive process is emphasized in the curriculum. Teachers prepare the environment for the children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, other children and materials. The PROCESS of interacting with materials and people results in learning.
Much of young children's learning takes place when they direct their own play activities. During play, children feel successful when they engage in a task they have defined for themselves. Such learning will not be inhibited by adult established concepts of completion, achievement and failure. Activities will be designed to further emerging skills through creative activity and intense involvement.
Learning activities and materials will be concrete, real and relevant to the lives of young children. Learning takes place as children touch, manipulate and experiment with things and interact with people. Pictures and stories will also be used frequently to build upon the children's real experiences.
Basic learning materials and activities include sand, water, clay and accessories to use with them; table, unit and hollow blocks; puzzles with a varying number of pieces; many types of games; a variety of small manipulative toys; dramatic play props such as those for housekeeping and transportation; a variety of science investigation equipment and items to explore; a changing selection of books and recordings; supplies of paper, paint, markers and other materials for creative expressions; large muscle equipment; field trips; classroom responsibilities such as helping with routines; and positive interactions and problem solving opportunities with other children and adults.
Multicultural and nonsexist experiences, materials and equipment will be provided for children. Providing a wide range of multicultural, no stereotyping materials and activities will enhance each child's self-concept and esteem as well as support the integrity of the child's family. Multicultural experiences are not limited to a celebration of holidays and include food, music, families, shelter and other aspects common to all cultures.
A balance of rest and active movement is provided throughout the day. Children are not rushed and schedules are flexible enough to take advantage of impromptu experiences. The balance between active and quiet activity is maintained throughout the day.
Outdoor experiences are provided for children daily. Because their physical development is occurring so rapidly, young children need regular outdoor experiences to practice large muscle skills, learn about outdoor environments and experience freedom not always possible indoors.
Workbooks, worksheets, and adult made models of art projects for children to copy are not appropriate for preschool children. Finished products or correct solutions that conform to adult standards are not utilized for judging whether learning has occurred.
Teachers
The teachers increase the difficulty, complexity and challenge of an activity as children are involved in it and as children develop understanding and skills. Teachers facilitate children's involvement and learning by making suggestions, asking questions or adding more complex materials or ideas to a situation. During a program year, as well as from one year to another, activities and environments for the children will change in arrangement and inventory, and special events are planned.
The teachers provide opportunities for children to choose from a variety of stimulating, challenging activities, materials and equipment; and time to explore through active involvement. Children need uninterrupted periods of time to become involved, investigate, select and persist at activities. Children are offered the choice to participate in a small group or in a solitary activity. The teachers assist and guide children who are not yet able to use easily and readily the materials and equipment at hand.
Preschool Objectives
- Continual exposure to numbers, in order to produce instant recognition.
- Opportunities to share experiences and possessions.
- Opportunities for both group and individual play.
- Develop fine motor skills.
- Develop and strengthen gross motor skills, through games and free play.
- Motivate children to appreciate their environment, and the people with whom they interact.
- Foster positive relationships with both adults and children.
- Develop a sense of responsibility in each child for the consequences of his/her actions.
- Develop the ability to follow rules, and participate as an active member In a group setting.
- Continual exposure to their names, in order to produce name recognition.
- Continual exposure to shapes, and color recognition.
