The Early Childhood Center recognizes that each child is a unique individual who goes through stages in acquiring skills. The duration of each stage varies from child to child. The curriculum is designed to provide appropriate experiences for each child in a nurturing environment that will promote their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development within the context of an inclusive learning environment. Each child is encouraged to be an active participant of the learning process.
The Early Childhood Center Curriculum’s foundation is built upon the Massachusetts Department of Early Learning and Care and the Department of Education Program Guidelines and Curriculum Standards. These guidelines and frameworks are implemented through developmentally appropriate play experiences in the preschool and kindergarten setting. The Frameworks encompass objectives and goals across the disciplines including:
*Guidelines and Frameworks available at www.doe.mass.edu
Preschool
The Early Childhood Center strives to address the wide range of interests and needs of our children through individual and small group learning experiences. This curriculum is based on the premise that young children learn best through direct experiences with their world rather than through abstract rules and concepts. Through ongoing interactions with adults and other children, preschoolers develop important social language and cognitive skills. Many activities are based on a variety of themes. These themes focus on categories such as transportation, animals, seasons, and weather. Presenting learning opportunities within specific themes helps children recognize new information and retain it for later use. The environment is structured to allow children to learn through active interaction and exploration with materials.
Curricula:
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Fall Harvest
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Transportation
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Insects
Extended Day Integrated Kindergarten
Each classroom provides a secure, non-judgmental environment where children may explore, experiment, discover, confirm, create and learn. The children are encouraged to interact with each other, their teachers and a variety of educational materials. The children are involved in a multi-sensory approach to learning. They are encouraged to talk, touch, manipulate and inspect procedures. Through such interactions, the children apply their abilities in a variety of settings. The developmental approach fosters an understanding of the interrelated nature of learning and stimulates creative and critical thinking skills.
Curricula: The Extended Day Integrated Kindergarten (EDIK) follows the same curricula guidelines as the elementary schools.
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Language Arts: Silver Burdett Ginn series – a literature based program, big books, journal writing. Themes include: All of Us Together; Changes, Changes;
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Laugh Out Loud; Our World; Nature Everywhere
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Handwriting: Handwriting Without Tears Program
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Mathematics: Everyday Math – An emphasis on exploration, investigation and application of mathematical ideas.
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Science and Technology: Addison Wesley including Physical Science, Life Science and Earth Science.
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Social Studies: The Massachusetts Frameworks including the following strands:
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History
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Geography
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Economics
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Civics
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