Curriculum

1.) ACADEMIC: We Can! by Dr. Vicki Gibson
2.) SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: Conscious Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey
3.) CHRISTIAN: Play & Pray Bible Stories

ACADEMIC: We Can!

Our curriculum design is thematic and skills-focused. It is comprehensive, including the nine domains required in the Texas PreK Guidelines by the Texas Education Agency, http://www.tea.state.tx.us/. We Can includes oral language, vocabulary development, and listening comprehension using literature, poetry, music, and creative dramatic play. Teachers work with children in whole and small group activities; both teacher directed and child-directed. Children choose learning centers or workstations that develop prerequisite skills in vocabulary, listening comprehension, storytelling and art expression. As children become more proficient, teachers help them develop phonological and phonemic awareness, print awareness, and early reading skills. In addition, the curriculum includes activities that teach pre-skills in math, science, social studies and fine arts.

Classroom teachers follow scripted daily lesson plans written by Dr. Gibson to ensure high fidelity of program implementation along with quality instruction and learning. The plans provide guidance for the teachers to use fun, instructional activities that are developmentally appropriate for each age group and effective tools for learning.

Learning centers, or workstations, are used to incorporate small group instruction and individual play. Children enjoy daily opportunities to develop social and academic skills. Instructional and play activities are matched to children’s needs. All curriculum and learning is aligned with scientifically based reading research (SBRR). Instruction includes how to learn and what to learn. Specific emphasis is placed on organizational thinking and planning, independent decision making and self-regulation, learning to assume personal responsibility and accountability.

For more information, visit http://www.wecanearlychildhood.com/

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: Conscious Discipline

Conscious Discipline® is evidence-based, and was named a national model for character education by the Character Education Partnership in 2005. Conscious Discipline® is a comprehensive classroom management program and a social-emotional curriculum. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices. It facilitates early childhood teachers in creating “school families” where children and teachers can reclaim joy, helpfulness and caring as a foundation for the educational process. Conscious Discipline® assists teachers in developing their inner life, empowering them to transform conflict into teaching moments for themselves, their colleagues, and the children and families they serve. Research conducted in schools and centers using Conscious Discipline® shows that it decreases aggression, increases academic scores on state tests, decreases impulsivity/hyperactivity in “difficult” children, increases collegiality of staff, and creates a positive school climate.

To learn more about Conscious Discipline please visit: http://www.beckybailey.com/cd_what_is.cfm

CHRISTIAN: Play & Pray Bible Stories:

Your child will enjoy learning bible stories with easy, child-friendly language, and fun play that helps them enjoy and remember God's Word. Children will participate in faith building activities, like simple songs, quick crafts, scrumptious snack ideas, games, service projects kids can do, and meaningful prayers.