Learning center curriculum: Early Childhood Curriculum | Creative Kids Learning Center

Опубликовано: October 17, 2022 в 12:21 pm

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Early Childhood Curriculum | Creative Kids Learning Center


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“Learn Every Day, the Preschool Curriculum” is a comprehensive early education curriculum based on current research and written by national experts. The activities incorporate literacy, math, science, social studies, and the creative arts in ways that will enable your student to Learn Every Day!

This innovative curriculum uses a multi-sensory, strengths-based approach to our early childhood education program. It was designed to respect individual differences, honor every child’s culture, and recognize that family members are equal partners in a child’s education. It is the goal that all children will experience joy and delight as they grow and develop in our nurturing environment.

Weekly themes are used to introduce information and learning takes place as children explore and manipulate real objects and events. Through a variety of learning centers, children experience and explore many subjects and concepts, such as:

Taking Initiative

  • Making choices and plans
  • Solving problems with materials
  • Initiating play
  • Taking care of personal needs

Social Relations

  • Relating to adults and other children
  • Resolving interpersonal conflict
  • Understanding and expressing feelings
  • Participating in group routine

Art/Creative Representation

  • Expressing personal feelings
  • Developing an eye for details
  • Refining hand-eye coordination and small motor skills
  • Enhancing imagination and creativity

Music and Movement

  • Singing and moving to music
  • Exploring and identifying sounds
  • Developing rhythm and beat patterns (to become a better reader)
  • Working on fine motor skills and balance

Language and Literacy

  • Listening and understanding speech
  • Using vocabulary and complex patterns of speech
  • Using letter names and sounds
  • Reading and writing skills

Mathematics

  • Sorting objects and identifying patterns
  • Counting and comparing
  • Trying different strategies to solve problems
  • Graphing items (by color, size, etc. )

Science

  • Understanding the world around us
  • Enhancing curiosity and cognitive development
  • Making new discoveries
  • Expanding observation, classifying, and predicting skills

Dramatic Play

  • Being creative and imaginative
  • Understanding conflict resolution and problem-solving
  • Developing interest and concentration
  • Expanding awareness of self, in relation to others and the environment

Writing

  • Building awareness of sounds in words
  • Recognizing written words
  • Using letter sounds and names
  • Contribute to an ongoing conversation

Prepare for kindergarten with math and literacy.

In our Preschool and Pre-K programs, your child will be immersed in math and literacy through in-school and at-home activities from our Focus on Literacy! and Focus on Math! programs.


FOCUS ON LITERACY! explores five key areas to foster improved literacy and cognition:

  • Vocabulary Development: Using language purposefully and precisely in thinking and communicating
  • Phonological Awareness: Hearing and manipulating individual sounds (phonemes) and groups of sounds (rhymes and syllables) in spoken language
  • Phonemic Awareness: Hearing, identifying, and manipulating single sounds in spoken words to recognize similarities and differences and how sounds relate to each other
  • Print Awareness: Understanding the meaning of written language
  • Alphabet Knowledge: Recognizing that letters are their own unique symbols and each has its own name, sound, shape, and order within the alphabet


FOCUS ON MATH! is designed to improve mathematical skills and abilities in five areas:

    • Problem-Solving: Developing strategies to multiple approaches to solving problems
    • Math Language: Seeing and using math as a language that describes quantities and amounts
    • Number Sense Awareness: Developing an intuitive understanding of numbers and how actions (like addition and subtraction) affect numbers
    • Visual Awareness: The ability to visualize numbers and quantities
    • Number Knowledge: Understanding the role of numbers in our lives and learning the concepts of counting, quantity, and numerals


    TOP

    “Learning-Centered” vs “Teaching-Centered” | Office of Curriculum and Assessment

    A learner-centered outcome shifts the focus of the outcome from what the faculty members are teaching to what a student is meant to learn.

    An Overview of Teacher-centered to Learner-centered

    For the past century or so, the focus of the traditional “teacher-centered” model of education has been on inputs: the credentials of faculty, the topics to be covered, the sequencing of courses, the physical resources of universities, and so forth.

    Based on a great deal that has been learned about learning in the last thirty years, the traditional model is rapidly being replaced with a learner-centered model, which has its main focus on outputs: what knowledge and abilities have students actually acquired, what do they actually know, and what are they competent actually to do?

    Implicit in the student-centered model is the idea that instructors are not providers of knowledge, but rather facilitators of learning. It is not enough to construct a syllabus and present information, however skillfully, to a captive audience; the job of instructors now involves creating and sustaining an effective learning environment based on a wide range of “best practices” in teaching and learning, which today’s instructors are expected to learn and adopt.

    The increasing focus on student learning as the central indicator of institutional excellence challenges many tacit assumptions about the respective roles of college students and faculty. As shown in the table below, the responsibilities of students and faculty and the relationships between the two models are quite different. In student-centered education, faculty bear less responsibility for being sources of knowledge, and take on more responsibility as facilitators of a broad range of learning experiences. For their part, students are called on to take on more responsibility for their own learning. Some main differences between the old model and the new model are shown in the table below.

    Domain

    Teacher-centered

    Learner-centered

    Knowledge

    Transmitted by instructor

    Constructed by students

    Student participation

    Passive

    Active

    Role of professor

    Leader/authority

    Facilitator/learning partner

    Role of Assessment

    Few tests/assignments—mainly for grading

    Many tests/assignments—for ongoing feedback

    Emphasis

    Learning correct answers

    Developing deeper understanding

    Academic culture

    Individualistic and competitive

    Collaborative and supportive

    Adapted from Western Washington University’s Tools & Techniques for Program Improvement: Handbook for Program Review & Assessment of Student Learning (2006)

    Creating “Learning-Centered” Outcomes

    The following example demonstrates how to move the perspective from a teacher-centered approach, and instead, to identify what students will get out of the experience. Writing the outcome from the students’ perspective provides a foundation of meaning to which learners can “fasten” the concepts and skills of your discipline.

    Example of
    “Needs Improvement”

    Example of
    “Exemplary”

    Opportunities to become familiar with research theories and methodologies.

     

    This approach is entirely teacher-centered, describing what the teacher will provide, not what the student will learn through this experience.

    The role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods in sociology, such that the student will be able to:

    • identify basic methodological approaches and describe the general role of methods in building sociological knowledge;
    • compare and contrast the basic methodological approaches for gathering data;
    • design a research study in an area of choice and explain why various decisions were made; and
    • critically assess a published research report and explain how the study could have been improved.

    Below is an example identifying the difference between a program goal and a degree program student learning outcome.

    Example of
    “Needs Improvement”

    Example of
    “Exemplary”

    Graduates will integrate quickly into the workplace or advanced education due to an emphasis on high quality teaching, advising, and mentoring.

     

    This statement belongs in Purpose Statement of the program because it identifies what is important to faculty in delivering the degree program.  It does not describe what students will learn to accomplish this ability.

    Knowledge of the technical aspects of construction and building systems, and energy conservation, as well as working knowledge of legal codes and regulations related to construction, environmental systems, and human health and safety, and the ability to apply such knowledge appropriately in specific projects.

     

    This is the learning outcome that, if achieved, will ensure students “integrate quickly into the workplace.”

    Our Curriculum – Foundations Early Learning Center

    Creative Curriculum, STEAM, Literacy, Spanish & More

    At Foundations Early Learning Center, we believe the best way to help your child succeed is to teach them to be creative, confident thinkers. That means offering young children opportunities for hands-on exploration that help build lifelong critical thinking skills and foster confidence.

    Creative Curriculum®

    That is why we are proud to use the nationally-recognized, award-winning Creative Curriculum® in our early learning classrooms. Creative Curriculum® is one of the few curriculums approved by every State Department of Education in the country! It teaches exploration and discovery as a way of learning – and teaches children to be creative, confident thinkers.

    With a combination of individual and both small and large group experiences, we provide your child with daily instruction and early learning activities focused on 9 essential child development areas: social & emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, math, science & technology, social studies and arts.

    The foundation of our curriculum is in what we call studies (sometimes referred to as themes). These studies are firsthand explorations of topics that are relevant (and interesting) to your child. Children raise questions about the topic, and through exploration, they find answers to their questions. The hands-on nature of studies taps into your child’s natural curiosity, resulting in a learning environment that is both fun and intentional!

    • Engages your child in active learning in literacy, math, science and social studies, while building social-emotional, gross motor and fine motor skills.
    •  Encourages your child to apply their skills in meaningful, real-life contexts.
    • Gives your child the necessary skills to solve problems and find answers to their questions in a creative way.
    • Supports the development of your child’s social-emotional skills, including resolving conflict, sharing responsibilities and working collaboratively.

    Ask your Director or your child’s teacher for more information on this week’s study!

    Learn more about Creative Curriculum® by visiting their website.

    Creative curriculum

    A Focus on STEAM 

    STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as a foundation.

    But STEAM is more than just a focus on these areas. STEAM’s approach to learning is not just memorizing facts and figures (the old way of memorization). It’s truly built around:

    • Asking questions (inquiry, curiosity)
    • Critical thinking (deep questioning, non-Googleable questions)
    • Process-based learning (focus on steps, rather than imitation)

    At Foundations, your child will participate in STEAM activities using the latest technology available, including interactive white boards. Everyone learns better by doing (not just watching), so our activities are always hands-on and interactive.

    Interested in learning more? We encourage family engagement! Participate in a STEAM activity with your child to see all the learning (and fun) in action.

    Spanish and Sign Language  

    We have incorporated two additional languages into our curriculum — Spanish and Sign Language.

    Research into early learning shows early exposure to second (or third) languages provides children with multiple developmental benefits, including:

    • More advanced first language skills
    • Greater cognitive functioning
    • More advanced literacy acquisition
    • Greater ease speaking a second language later in life
    • Greater cultural understanding  

    At Foundations, your child will be exposed to Spanish words and phrases in natural ways. And your child will be invited to use their new words throughout the day.

    Your child will also begin learning simple signs (signing) to express themselves. This empowers your child to communicate needs to a caregiver before developing the ability to speak.

    Character Counts, Our Literacy & Character-Building Program

    Our Character Counts program uses children’s stories to help your child develop important early literacy skills, including letter recognition, vocabulary development, letter-sound correlation, and more. The program also explores character development as children explore character traits such as responsibility, patience, creativity, and respect

    Ask your child’s teacher or Center Director for more information on this month’s book – or look for the Character Counts display in your child’s classroom!

    At Foundations Early Learning Center, we provide high-quality childcare and early education. Our early learning programs focus on your child’s development and school readiness – from social-emotional and physical development to literacy, math, science and social studies. There’s a reason behind everything we do. If you aren’t sure why we do (or don’t do) something, ask us!

    Curriculum – Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center

    Overview of High Scope Curriculum

    At HILC we use the High Scope curriculum in all of our classrooms. High Scope is grounded in current development theory, research and best practices for young children. The curriculum is evidenced based and uses the children’s own interest as an integral aspect of the day to day learning. We believe you are your child’s first teacher. As such, we will partner/collaborate with you to offer your child what he/she needs to grow, develop and flourish. Active learning is the cornerstone of the High Scope curriculum. Children learn best and gain knowledge by being involved in natural play and interactions with others and their world. We achieve this in all classrooms by providing age appropriate experiences, materials and interactions that interest the children.

    Infants and Toddlers (birth to age three)

    The learning is focused on 6 content areas: Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Health and Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Cognitive Development and Creative Arts. The content areas are divided in to 42 key developmental indictors (KDIs) which are aligned with national and state early learning guidelines as well as Head Start early Learning Outcomes Framework. Each KDI is connected to and reinforced by scaffolding strategies (learning building upon previous knowledge and/or experiences of the child) The Key Developmental Indicators provide the teachers with a framework of child development and supports them in planning/choosing age appropriate interactions and experiences/activities. Further, it assists the teachers to understand what the child is saying and doing along a developmental continuum. It helps the teacher maintain realistic expectations for individual children as they grow and develop. Lastly, understanding of the KDIs allows teachers to be more intentional and knowledgeable in their daily planning for each child and the class.

    Preschool (Three to Five)

    The learning is focused on 6 content areas: Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Health and Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Cognitive Development and Creative Arts. The content areas are divided in to 58 key developmental indictors (KDIs) which are aligned with national and state early learning guidelines as well as Head Start early Learning Outcomes Framework. Each KDI is connected to and reinforced by scaffolding strategies (learning building upon previous knowledge and/or experiences of the child) The Key Developmental Indicators provide the teachers with a framework of child development and supports them in planning/choosing age appropriate interactions and experiences/activities. Further, it assists the teachers to understand what the child is saying and doing along a developmental continuum. It helps the teacher maintain realistic expectations for individual children as they grow and develop. Lastly, understanding of the KDIs allows teachers to be more intentional and knowledgeable in their daily planning for each child and the class.

    Program Quality Assessment (PQA)

    The Program Quality Assessment is a tool used to evaluate the quality of a classroom. It measures quality through direct observation of the Learning Environment, Daily Routine, AdultChild Interactions and Curriculum Planning and Assessment. By using this observation tool, we strengthen teacher child interactions, maintain effective learning environments, foster supportive relationships with families and foster optimal child learning and development. The PQA aids in identifying the strengths of a teacher/teaching team and where there are opportunities for growth. At HILC, we strive to continually to improve our entire program. Using this tool allows us to be strategic about that improvement. We evaluate classrooms twice a year to plan our opportunities for growth and monitor this monthly.

    Child Observation Record (COR)

    COR Advantage is built on 36 items that best prepare children for school success. This tool starts in our infant classrooms and continues through preschool. Through daily observations, teacher write notes and capture what a child is actually doing. By doing this, teachers are better able to intentionally plan individualized lessons for children. The tool focuses on what child can do rather than a specific age so it allows for a more authentic picture of each child. The system allows the teachers to look at developmental trends, areas that may need more investigation/support and can improve communicate with the family through the family reports and daily messaging. (in conjunction with BrightWheel)

    Data Analysis Meetings

    These are meetings held throughout the year (at least twice per age group) to look at the scores of classrooms’ PQAs, COR data and make a set of goals for the entire Heartfelt team. Parents, a teacher representative from each center’s specific age group and the leadership meet, review the data. Once the goals have been determined, the teaching teams work to meet these goals.

    Early Childhood Specialist (ECS)

    The role of the Early Childhood Specialist is to support all teachers (tuition classrooms and the GSRP/state-funded classrooms at each campus), center leadership and families, when necessary. This may include curriculum implementation, resources for the classroom and for families. This individual is a conduit between classrooms and the leadership team ensuring that HILC is providing the highest quality in each classroom. He/she coaches and mentors’ teachers to support them in implementation of the High Scope curriculum, providing support in the form of classroom visits and resources to teaching teams.

    What Our Families are Saying

    “The staff in the infant room at Heartfelt Impressions is one of a kind. They make my daughter feel like she’s right at home. They read to her, interact with her through music and play, and love her as if she was their own. When I leave her in the morning, I know she is in the best of hands and that she is going to have an amazing day.”

    “We couldn’t be happier about the choice we made to send our infant and 4-year-old daughters to Heartfelt Impressions!”

    “We are so happy with our experience at Heartfelt Impressions. We researched 25 local child care providers, touring 8. What sold us on Heartfelt was that they interact with the babies on a very personal level, as if each is their own.”