We provide a developmentally appropriate learning experience using a literacy based (Storybook Journey) and Project-Based Learning approach to support children's cognitive, social-emotional, motor, language and self-help skill development. We utilize The Creative Curriculum for all ages, a quality, developmentally appropriate Eriksonian program with influences that include Montessori, Steiner/Waldorf, Vygotsky, Culkin, and McCord.

The curriculum takes into account each child's learning style, strengths, and challenging areas. The program is play-based, and children from birth to 5 learn in eight interest areas: manipulative toys, dramatic play, project-based activities, music, art, technology, literacy, and the outdoors, of which our playground is a major component. The daily lessons of the curriculum are developed by our Educational Services Manager in coordination with our teaching staff and therapists. The activities are modified based on observation and feedback, as well as discussion of developmentally appropriate activities at staff meetings.

Teachers support children in the development of core academic (language, reading, writing, and math), social, fine/gross motor, and emergent science and technology skills through an inquiry-based learning approach. Our nurturing, inclusive, and diverse environment provides an opportunity for young learners to develop empathy, leadership, and independence. These are all part of the foundation that will ensure the successful development of critical thinking skills, peer collaboration, communication, and creativity. Daily activities for preschoolers include art, music and movement, storybooks and literacy extension activities, games, sign-language, yoga, dramatic play, sensory play, cooking, science exploration, cultural awareness, and outdoor fun. Learning activities in each classroom are influenced by each child’s interests and developmental level, and follow the Creative Curriculum.

Our nationally research-based curriculums align with the K-12 Common Core State Standards, prepare students for kindergarten and allow our teachers to focus on the needs of every type of learner:

The Creative Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum® is widely regarded as a forward-thinking, comprehensive, rigorously researched curriculum that honors creativity and makes learning exciting and relevant for each child. Teachers use the curriculum to deliver a developmentally appropriate program that promotes children's social-emotional development and learning in the core areas of literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. You can find more information at www.teachingstrategies.net.

The Storybook Journey

The Storybook Journey is our literacy program, a curriculum we utilize to promote early reading skills and a love of books in young readers. It is an experience-oriented literacy immersion program, creating a classroom where all subjects focus on different aspects of concepts connected to stories. The Storybook Journey program has a profound effect on the language and literacy skill development of all children. By anchoring a curriculum in a single story over an extended period, teachers offer children opportunities to experiment, grow, and overcome challenges in new and exciting ways. More information about this curriculum is available in her book Storybook Journey: Pathways to Literacy Through Story and Play.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

STEM programming for the summer takes place in both our classrooms and around two large garden beds, located in our fenced playground area. This living discovery lab integrates classroom instruction, ecology lessons, self-sufficiency through food production/gardening, cooking with our garden's fruits and vegetables, math and measuring, and team work. In the fall and winter, teachers conduct hands on activities that utilize the inquiry-based learning method in their classrooms, take children on field trips to museums, botanical gardens, and discovery centers, and work with parents to help children engage in inquiry-based learning and STEM subjects at home.

Handwriting Without Tears

Handwriting Without Tears award-winning Get Set for School™ Pre-K program uses lively music and playful activities to help young children build a solid foundation for school success. This upbeat program introduces a readiness curriculum full of developmentally appropriate activities that teach children about letters, body awareness, numbers, sequencing, and sharing in a fun, engaging, and informal manner. Parents can easily access additional information, handouts, words to engaging songs and more on their website:http://www.creativecurriculum.net

Zoo-phonics

Zoo-phonics is a Multi-sensory Language Arts Program with a kinesthetic, multi-modal approach to learning all aspects of language arts. The principle of Zoo-phonics maximizes understanding, memory, utilization and transference to all areas of the reading, spelling and writing process in a playful and concrete manner. You can find more information at: www.zoo-phonics.com/home

Evaluating Student Progress

Children's progress is closely monitored using Teaching Strategies GOLD virtual portfolios. This assessment tool is used for observation, planning and assessment of student progress, helping teachers focus on what matters most for each child’s success. It is founded on research-based objectives that include predictors of school success and aligns with the St. Vrain Valley School District standards.

If you have further questions regarding our program and curriculum, please contact our Educational Services Manager, Cindy Wickham at 303-776-7417 ext 101 or at CWickham@LearningWithTLC.org