Early Childhood

The littlest learners thrive within our Early Childhood program. Whether in preschool (age 3) or pre-K (age 4), these naturally curious children are attuned to all the wonders of the world that they encounter. During these formative years, students are given ample time to explore their surroundings, discover, and build meaning through play, resulting in them becoming inspired to delight in the learning process itself.

Each child enters our nurturing Early Childhood environment with a different set of talents and strengths. Our experienced, dedicated teachers and their classroom aides masterfully bring learning alive by creating a setting that encourages children to generate new ideas, show their understanding and express their thoughts and creativity in a variety of ways.

Utilizing the best practices in Early Childhood education, including a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to preschool, students are able to establish a foundation for success in their next level of development and learning. By the end of ECII (pre-K), students are fully prepared to embrace the transition to kindergarten. They are curious, capable and brimming with confidence. They can't wait for the next phase of their learning adventure to begin.

ECI-II Curriculum

ECI-II Curriculum

The primary goals of Early Childhood I (preschool) and II (pre-K) are for the children to comfortably be able to separate from the home environment, function effectively as members of a group within a warm, secure classroom and gain a sense of developmentally appropriate independence. At the same time, academic instruction takes place in ways that are engaging and playful for young children.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, children can choose from a wide variety of materials, activities and equipment, whether indoors or outdoors. Developed by preschool educators in the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, this philosophy of teaching, learning and advocacy for children includes observing what children know, what they are curious about and what challenges them. Teachers record these observations to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways to help children expand their academic and social potentials.

During much of the program, they are able to work and play individually or in small, informal groups. These critical group interactions help the children form an understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Ample opportunities are also given to learn and apply skills in a meaningful context as children build comfort with language and literacy, number concepts and the understanding of new information about the world in which they live.

CURRICULUM

Personal and Social Growth
Language and Literacy Development
Math
Science
Social Studies
Fine Motor Skills
Gross Motor Skills

CO-CURRICULAR

ECI (Preschool): Music, Library
ECII (Pre-K): Music, Library, Art, Physical Education