Early Years Curriculum
1. Holistic Development: Preschool programs should focus on the whole child—physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative development. This approach ensures a balanced growth and development.
2. Play-Based Learning: Play is the primary way children explore the world and learn new concepts. A good preschool should promote play-based learning that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration.
3. Parental Involvement: A strong preschool will encourage and facilitate parental involvement. This can range from regular communication about a child's progress to opportunities for parents to participate in classroom activities.
4. Learning Environment: The physical environment of a preschool should be engaging, stimulating, and well-organized. It should offer a variety of materials and spaces that promote learning, play, and exploration.
5. Emotional Resilience and Self-Regulation: A quality preschool program should help children develop emotional resilience and the ability to regulate their own emotions. This includes skills like managing frustration, calming down after excitement, and adjusting to changes in routine or expectations.
6. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Even at a young age, children can begin to develop the foundations of critical thinking and problem-solving. This could be measured by a child's ability to ask questions, explore different solutions to a problem, or make predictions and observations about their environment.
7. Independence and Self-Care Skills: Preschool is a crucial time for children to develop independence and learn basic self-care skills. This includes things like washing hands, cleaning up toys, dressing themselves, and other age-appropriate tasks. Developing these skills not only promotes independence but also helps children build self-confidence and self-esteem.