Curriculum and assessments

At the Early Learning Center, we don’t underestimate the value of play. Research shows that play improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young people. This theory translates into the lessons and activities planned by our teachers. Skills and concepts are introduced to children through the use of learning centers – these centers encourage children to expand on knowledge they possess. Strong emphasis is placed on learning through play with the teacher as the facilitator, role model and listener, rather than "teacher" in the traditional sense. Our team constantly looks for the "teachable moment" when a child is developmentally ready to absorb and learn a particular concept. Children learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process.

Parent input is also an important part of our lesson planning process. We encourage families to regularly share information, as children are most successful when teachers and parents form strong partnerships.

Curriculum

Creative Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum builds children’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based investigations. Trusted for decades by early childhood educators, the curriculum

respects and nurtures individual skill progression for the whole child,
harnesses the power of play through studies that engage learners as young as 2,
seamlessly connects families to their children’s learning learning, and
provides intentional support for every teacher every day.

Assessments

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Teaching Strategies GOLD is an authentic, ongoing observational system for assessing children from birth through kindergarten. It helps educators to observe students in the context of everyday experiences, which is an effective way to learn what they know and can do.

Teaching Strategies GOLD is based on 38 objectives for development and learning that include predictors of school success and are based on school readiness standards. The objectives are aligned with the Common Core State Standards, state early learning guidelines, and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework. These objectives are at the heart of the system; teachers use them to focus their observations as they gather information to make classroom decisions. Learn more about Teaching Strategies GOLD.

Ages and Stages questionnaire

The Ages & Stages Questionnaires^®, (ASQ^®) is a developmental screening tool that pinpoints developmental progress in children between the ages of one month to 5 ½ years. Drawing on parents’ expert knowledge, ASQ has been specifically designed to pinpoint developmental progress and catch delays in young children—paving the way for meaningful next steps in learning, intervention, or monitoring.

Evidence shows that the earlier development is assessed—the greater the chance a child has to reach his or her potential. Learn more about Ages & Stages Questionnaire.

NAEYC: The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting