The Skills Based Learning Journey
At Explorers in Learning, our curriculum strives to meet the needs of each child in their current stage of development. Our intent is to develop a child’s love of learning, which will form the foundation for future growth. We all know that learning is a lifelong process; however, the most optimal times for learning exist when the brain is more capable of absorbing new information.
We follow “The Creative Curriculum” which is a research based curriculum tool kit. It is a guide that teachers use to support the social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development skills of each child. It also provides information for teachers to plan developmentally appropriate lessons and activities. We also have lots of scheduled time for play, which has been proven one of the best learning tools a child can have.
Each classroom contains many learning centers where children can choose to take part in activities that interest them throughout the day. The following is a list of the centers found in each classroom:
Creative Art
Dramatic Play
Math
Library
Quiet Activity
Science / Sensory
Blocks
Music and Movement
Each center is designed to provide stimulation for a small group of children. During free play or open center time children will develop many skills that they will need to succeed in school. These developmental areas include:
Social & Emotional Development
Our curriculum encourages children to express their feelings in an environment where they can then develop a sense of understanding and trust. We provide children with social opportunities and positive interactions to promote self-esteem. Socialization is a large part of a child’s growth and development. Helping children socialize not only builds self-esteem, but also helps them realize they are important individuals within a group.
Fine & Gross Motor Development
Keeping a child’s physical needs met is important. Respecting the ability of each child helps the teacher focus on what a child is physically capable of achieving. A classroom environment that safely challenges each child while providing guidance and developmental opportunities is what we strive for.
Cognitive Development
Not all children learn at the same rate. Some children will grasp a concept almost immediately, while others might take longer. The teacher provides curriculum to educate each child. Once a child understands a concept or completes a task, the teacher might provide that child with a new project or she might encourage that child by asking that child questions. If a child is having trouble grasping a concept the teacher will provide activities that will help that child learn and understand the new concept. Each teacher plans age/individual appropriate activities each week.
Enrichment Programs
Explorers in Learning also has special enrichment programs. The center provides music enrichment classes for all children ages 1 and up (Mondays only). For children two years of age and older in attendance we offer Sports and Dance classes. These classes are paid for seperately from tuition and held at our facility.
Our teachers are trained to observe and collect data to assess the development of each child. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring to inform parents of their child’s progress.