Young children need many opportunities to explore, to experiment, and to initiate their own learning in areas that interest them. Therefore, the schedule allows for much free choice time, with the teachers having the responsibility to plan interesting and challenging activities and to be ready to assist children, pose and answer questions, make suggestions, etc. During the inside choice time the child typically may choose from the following options: Art, blocks and other construction material, dramatic play, math, manipulatives, science, drawing and writing.

We use a variety of resources to develop our curriculum including: Creative Curriculum, State of California Preschool Foundations and Preschool Curriculum Framework, Early Childhood Education Rating Scale, Center for Social & Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, CLASS and the Bible. Group times include stories and other language experiences, music and movement activities and conversations around topics that interest the children. In understanding the needs of young children, the daily schedule is planned to allow for a balance of quiet and active, individual and group activities. Play is essential for a young child’s learning and development.

Art: creative expression, sense of accomplishment, fine motor skills, eye‑hand coordination & expression of feelings

Bible: Bible stories, Scripture verses and songs that are part of Chapel each month.

Blocks: Math concepts, spatial relationships, balance, creativity, cooperation & problem solving

Dramatic Play: Imagination, social skills, role play, language & vocabulary

Manipulatives: Fine motor skills, eye‑hand coordination, ordering, matching, patterns, sorting, shape and color discrimination, reading & writing readiness

Music and movement: rhythm, hearing discrimination, large muscle skills and development, poetic language & following directions

Outdoor play: large muscle development, balance, coordination, imagination, role play, language & vocabulary development, social development & body awareness

Science: curiosity, exploration appreciation of nature, cause and effect, measuring, weighing, balancing, classifying & hypothesizing

Literacy: language & vocabulary development, listening comprehension, reading readiness & concept development

Social-Emotional: This domain undergirds the whole development of the child. As children play and work together, with the teacher’s guidance, they learn about taking turns, sharing, problem-solving, analytical thinking, empathy, respect, self-regulation, good manners, verbalizing their needs and wants and an appreciation of diversity.

Field trips are a part of our planned curriculum for all our children. There are two all school off campus trips planned, one in the fall and one in the spring. Other “trips” are planned for on-site visitors to enrich our curriculum. There are also off campus trips scheduled by different classes throughout the year.

When we take field trips during the year, it will be the parents’ responsibility to transport their child or to arrange for another adult to transport their child. Please let your child’s teacher know if you are willing to transport a child from your child’s classroom. The law requires that children under eight years of age or under eighty pounds be transported in approved child car seats.