Curriculum Philosophy

Curriculum Philosophy

Play is a child’s work. The Kids’ Place espouses a play-based emergent curriculum. Teachers collaborate with families to support children exploring their interests through play. Collaborative group work, both large and small, is considered valuable and necessary to advance cognitive development. Children are encouraged to dialogue, critique, compare, negotiate, hypothesize, and problem solve through group work. Multiple perspectives promote both a sense of group membership and the uniqueness of self.

Projects and Documentation: Children work on projects throughout the year. Projects are in-depth studies of concepts and ideas, and encourage questions and interests from the children. Teachers document children’s individual learning process through daily notes, photos, and portfolios.

Environment: Great attention is given to the look and feel of the classroom. Teachers carefully organize space for small and large group projects and small intimate spaces for one, two or three children.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Teachers work with an understanding of early childhood development and individualize learning to meet each child’s need. Teachers design and provide for the environment, materials, and activities to suit children’s changing developmental needs. Teachers work with families to identify what stage children are at in all developmental domains: physical (fine and gross motor), intellectual (cognitive), linguistic, social, and emotional.

TODDLER PROGRAM

The toddler teaching staff consists of one lead teacher and one assistant. Children who attend this program range in age from approximately 18 months to 2.5 years old.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Preschool teaching staff consists of two lead teachers and several assistants. Children who attend this program range in ages from approximately 2.5 to 5.5 years old. There are two preschool classrooms: the P1 classroom, ages 2.5-3.5 years old and the P2, ages 3.5-5.5 years old.