Curriculum
We have extensive background and education in many different curriculum models and philosophies. We follow current research and recommendations to inform our practices. We use the best parts of popular early childhood philosophies to develop a comprehensive curriculum model. This style addresses the “whole child” and includes essential school readiness domains. We also ensure that the curriculum we develop and use is developmentally appropriate, is evidence based and aligns with National standards, Montana’s Early Learning Guidelines and NAFCC accreditation standards.
Our program is primarily an emergent curriculum.. It is carefully planned to meet each child’s individual needs and interests as much as possible. We create well developed learning centers that encourage children to learn through play and investigation. The centers include language, math, science, STEAM, building, art, sensorial, practical life, and dramatic play. Learning materials are rotated out often to encourage new exploration and to scaffold their learning. Materials are thoughtfully chosen to offer a wide variety of experiences and explorations.
We take the best parts of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf and traditional preschool practices to inform our curriculum. With Brenna's extensive knowledge in many early childhood philosophies and models, she is able to mold the program to fit the needs of the children currently enrolled. Therefore each group's experience will be unique and created just for them.
We use many components of the Reggio Emilia approach. A child-centered approach encourages children to take learning into their own hands. Children are encouraged to follow their interests and teachers will support their learning by offering opened ended experiences for the children to learn and explore independently or with assistance as needed. www.reggiochildren.it/en/reggio-emilia-approach/
We also bring in Montessori influences as well. We offer many Montessori materials and activities in the environment. Children will learn practical life skills throughout our daily routines to encourage autonomy and competence. Montessori environments encourage an inquisitive, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere. Students increase their own knowledge through a combination of self-correcting work and teacher-initiated experiences.
montessori-nw.org/about-montessori-education
We also bring in Waldorf influences. We create caring environments that nourish the senses and foster relationships based on respect and caring for each other. Our Flexible curriculum and flow of the day is influenced by the rhythms of nature and seasons. It helps to develop security and trust. We provide many real life experiences that create wonder and curiosity throughout the preschool experience. www.waldorfeducation.org/waldorf-education
We have nature based opportunities for children to experience animals and gardens with in our 2.5 acre setting. They get to see chickens and baby chicks, milk cows and calves, song birds, bunnies, cats, dogs and a multitude of wildlife in the stream corridor. We have a large productive garden in the summer with many herbs and vegetables for the children to experience first hand. We use the Montana Extension Harvest of the month program to add a farm to table experience here as well. The children learn where food comes from and have the opportunity to experience picking and tasting foods from their original source. mtharvestofthemonth.org/
Also keeping a more traditional preschool in mind we offer many learning experiences through out the day. We focus on social relationships, language and literacy skills, problem solving, scientific processes, fine and gross motor development, self-help skills, and music and movement. We also incorporate cognitive activities that promote letter, number, shape, and color recognition, as well as beginning sounds. We believe that learning activities should spark curiosity and wonder in children. It should also engage and build on children's interests.
I make every effort to design my program to fulfill the requirements of MT Child Care Licensing, MT STARS to Quality, NAFCC Accreditation standards, MT Early Learning Standards and National Early Childhood Standards.
Kindergarten readiness is offered both through the carefully planned learning center experiences as well as the teacher directed activities. We offer many learning experiences for the children to develop these recommended readiness skills. This link explains many of the skills we work on.
www.understood.org/en/articles/skills-kids-need-going-into-kindergarten