Early Childhood Program

Fine Arts - The children are introduced to various art materials that encourage creative exploration. During these interactions, they learn about the feelings that art may inspire, including pride in their work. Artistic expressions are celebrated as a vital part of their development.

Language Arts – Children develop speaking, pre-writing, and pre-reading skills through authentic and developmentally appropriate experiences incorporated throughout their day. Children are encouraged to express their needs, wants, and intentions, as well as share their ideas with others using single words and short phrases, and then progress to whole sentences. Weekly sign language and creative movement classes support children in developing their receptive and expressive language. Daily read-aloud stories and frequent opportunities to look at books help children learn how to hold a book, distinguish between pictures and words, listen to information, and retell familiar parts by looking at the photos, which are all important pre-reading skills.

Mathematics – Early math skills are developed through hands-on, authentic opportunities in the daily life of the classroom.  Children gain experience in rote counting and using 1:1 correspondence when lining up, participating in morning meetings, singing songs, using manipulatives, and baking activities.  Sorting items by size, shape, and color and recognizing basic shapes are explored using manipulatives, puzzles, and making observations in the classroom and outside on nature walks.

Music –Students participate in a creative movement class once a week, where they learn about music by singing, moving to simple songs with their hands and bodies, playing instruments, and practicing active listening.

Physical Development – Children have daily opportunities to develop gross motor skills such as coordination, balance, climbing, and running. They ride bikes, use the climbers on the playground, participate in movement class, take walks around campus, and explore equipment such as balls, hula hoops, and plush toys. Fine motor muscles are strengthened, developing dexterity and control by working with manipulatives, blocks, puzzles, playdough, art materials (scissors, markers, paintbrushes), sensory table materials, and eating with utensils. 

Science – Our classroom and environmental explorations provide numerous opportunities for children to enhance their scientific knowledge. Through engaging conversations, children expand their vocabulary and understanding of their bodies and the world around them. Nature exploration is facilitated by our 60-acre campus, where students can connect with the natural environment.

Social Studies – Through experimentation with objects, language and social interactions, toddlers are entering a new phase of mental activity. The children are learning how to be safe within their environment, how to use words to express feelings, and how to act appropriately in different situations.

Sign Language – Students participate in a sign language class once a week. They learn introductory signs to help them communicate their needs and support language development.

Social-Emotional Learning – The foundation of a life-long learner begins with a child’s social and emotional awareness. Early Childhood teachers instill a love of learning, curiosity, and engagement in the student’s first school experience. Children are known and nurtured beginning at 18 months.