(ages 2 years to 4 years)
Months At this age, children explore ways to become independent. Adult’s role is to support children’s desire to do things by themselves, but with proper supervision. Children’s classrooms are organized into learning centers. The most common learning centers are: dramatic play, sand and water, blocks, art, science, writing and reading. However, each teacher may create or name their own learning centers in accordance with the children’s interests.
Our program’s curricular goals for young preschoolers has the following characteristics:
- Adults talk to children clearly and respond quickly and appropriately to children’s verbal initiatives.
- Adults provide large amounts of uninterrupted time for children to persist in activities of their choice.
- Adults provide children with a variety of materials to explore and talk about the world. Art, music, movement, crafts, drama, and others are strongly encouraged in order to give the children the means and opportunities to express themselves.
- Adults create learning opportunities such as puzzles, pegboards, beads to string, construction sets, art and writing in order for children to develop their fine-motor skills.
- Adults guide children to understand and respect the rules. Rules are usually negotiated with the children in order to give them ownership of their own behavior.
- Children are read to on a daily basis. Adults read children out loud and provide children with a variety of books to enjoy. Children have access to books anytime.
- Children’s emergent interests and activities are posted. Children and teachers keep track of their goals.
- Adults will provide children a safe and hazard-free environment where they can run, jump, and gain gross motor skills confidently
Potty Training
Children’s work is displayed aesthetically. A child’s body must be physically ready. The key to successfully potty training a child in a nurturing, natural and safe way is the communication and back-up between home and school. Based on observations and information from the parents, the teacher and the parents will together establish the appropriate time to start potty training and the most effective way to encourage the child to go potty. Parents and teachers must be consistent in the language that they use for potty training procedures. It is important to use appropriate words for body functions. The child’s doctor’s advice is also an important consideration.
The communication folder will keep the parents and teachers informed of the child’s progress in this matter.