Family Childcare Center

Curriculum Philosophy

 

Young children learn best when they have experiences that are interesting to them. We will observe, listen, and ask open-ended questions to provide developmentally appropriate learning activities that meet the needs of the children in our care. 

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Social Emotional

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We work hard to ensure children in our care feel secure, cared for, liked, accepted, and successful while away from home. Children will be supported through conflicts with their peers and learn how to use their words to work through these conflicts. Every child in our care will know that their thoughts and feelings are important and will be given tools that help them learn how to work through their feelings. They will learn how to communicate with others, speak up for themselves, compromise, and self-regulate. 



​Physical Health

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The children have many opportunities to develop both large and small muscle coordination. Developing fine motor skills are part of weekly planning goals. Going outside to work large muscles is available every day. 

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Language



The children develop conceptual and verbal skills through awareness and understanding of the world around them. We provide many opportunities to develop vocabulary through group discussions, individual conversations, story times, exploration, writing activities, and play. These are all fun ways for children to grow in their understanding and the use of language. Children’s home language is supported through books and language activities.

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Literacy

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We will provide many examples of the uses of print every day. Our library is always open and full of books for children to explore. We change out books often according to the children’s interests and learning. Many materials for children to attempt writing are always available.  Children are given opportunities to develop phonological abilities with rhyming activities, letters, and their sounds. We play fun games that help us learn letters, sounds, and read.​​

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Science

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Children expand their curiosity, initiative, and creativity through first-hand experiences and a variety of interesting materials. We will use these materials along with science experiments and activities to practice scientific thinking. Children will learn to use the scientific method, to predict/hypothesize, observe closely, record findings, ask questions, and share findings. This all fosters critical thinking skills that will last a lifetime. Every year, the children will plant food in our garden that we will use to eat and cook with. The children take on the responsibility of what they plant, with a little help from the teachers.

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Technology

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The children are introduced to the use of modern technology as tools in pursuit of learning through play. Computers, cameras (still and video), tape recorders and microphones are used to explore the world and create movies, take pictures, and write songs. ​

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Engineering

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Engineering is fun and hands-on. We provide engineering materials and activities so children can build problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Group projects that encourage team work and teach collaboration and good communication skills.

 

Art/Creative Expression

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Art will be open-ended, allowing children to produce their own unique interpretation. There will also be art lessons so the children can explore different art forms. We will provide opportunities for music, drama, photography, and dance.

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Math

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Many materials that encourage mathematical thinking are always available in the childcare space. Teachers will use these materials during play to teach math concepts according to the child’s level and ability. We use mathematizing, turning everyday activities into math for children to learn math terms and concepts. For example, “You are first in line.” “You filled your cup half full.” “Let’s count how many of us are in line.”

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Social Studies

 

Children will learn about themselves, their community and the world outside of what they know.  Activities that promote anti-bias are emphasized.