TEACHING APPROACH
Our teaching approach involves prioritizing the emotional well-being and social development of each child.
HERE’S AN OUTLINE OF KEY PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR SUCH AN APPROACH:
CURRICULUM
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based, child-centered curriculum focuses on social emotional growth, independence, and overall confidence for our students.
We believe that preschoolers who learn how to advocate for and express their emotional and physical needs will excel greatly in Kindergarten and beyond. By teaching autonomy and self-regulation, students will feel safe in their school space and have the initiative to be a successful community member.
LITERACY
Twice a week, students in both the AM and PM will engage with letter recognition and phonemic awareness during whole group activities. Using the Lively Letters approach, we use structured literacy practices based in the science of reading to build a strong foundation that will lead to reading success and a love for literacy.
PARENT-LED ART AND SCIENCE
At CVPNS, parents take the lead in crafting engaging art and science projects. This hands-on approach not only enriches our curriculum but also fosters a sense of community involvement. Parents bring their unique skills to create a dynamic learning experience, ensuring every child benefits from a diverse and personalized educational journey.
THEMATIC UNITS
At the discretion of the director, Our curriculum is built on monthly thematic units. This dynamic approach keeps learning exciting, with each month bringing new themes that captivates and enriches our students' educational experience. Some possible themes are: Oceans & Sea Life, Colors & Emotions, Seasons, Famous Changemakers, Lunar New Year, All about our Families, etc.
CHILD-CENTERED CARE
Recognize and celebrate each child's uniqueness.
Tailor interactions and activities to meet individual needs, interests, and developmental stages.
Tailor interactions and activities to meet individual needs, interests, and developmental stages.
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Foster strong connections between children, parents/guardians, and the director.
Encourage cooperative play and collaborative activities that promote teamwork and empathy.
Encourage cooperative play and collaborative activities that promote teamwork and empathy.
MINDFULNESS AND SELF-AWARENESS
Introduce age-appropriate mindfulness activities to enhance self-awareness.
Help children develop an understanding of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Help children develop an understanding of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
EMPATHY AND INCLUSION
Incorporate stories, games, and discussions that highlight diversity and foster empathy.
Create an inclusive environment that respects and values differences in background, abilities, and interests.
Create an inclusive environment that respects and values differences in background, abilities, and interests.
TEACHER MODELING
Demonstrate emotional intelligence and positive social behaviors as role models.
Share and express emotions openly to create a culture of openness and understanding.
Share and express emotions openly to create a culture of openness and understanding.
EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION AND REGULATION
Create a safe and supportive environment for children to express their emotions.
Teach and model healthy ways to identify, communicate, and regulate emotions.
Teach and model healthy ways to identify, communicate, and regulate emotions.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Teach problem-solving and conflict resolution skills beyond saying “I’m sorry”.
Guide children in understanding and managing conflicts peacefully, emphasizing effective communication.
Guide children in understanding and managing conflicts peacefully, emphasizing effective communication.
SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Design activities that promote sharing and cooperation.
Encourage positive communication, active listening, and respectful interactions among children.
Encourage positive communication, active listening, and respectful interactions among children.
DAILY ROUTINES AND CONSISTENCY
Establish predictable daily routines to provide a sense of security.
Maintain a consistent and supportive atmosphere that helps children feel comfortable and confident.
Maintain a consistent and supportive atmosphere that helps children feel comfortable and confident.
PARENT AND CAREGIVER COLLABORATION
Foster open communication with parents and caregivers regarding each child's social-emotional development.
Provide resources and suggestions for extending social-emotional learning beyond the preschool environment.
Provide resources and suggestions for extending social-emotional learning beyond the preschool environment.