A prominent philosophy in the preschool classrooms is play-based learning. The curriculum provides a range of developmental levels in language, social, cognitive, and motor skills that are administered through different, enjoyable activities. Preschool ages vary widely—EC3 offers a variety of classes for children who are anywhere from 3 to 6 years old.

ACHIEVING HIGHER LEVELS OF INDEPENDENCE

The teachers are continually developing the children's independence through encouraging the development of life skills and offering choices, which promote decision-making.

DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS

Preschool children will be encouraged to develop:

• Language skills through guided and spontaneous interactions
• Social skills, by participating in large and small group activities, and interactions with classmates and other children in the center
• Fine and gross motor skills, through the use of small manipulative materials, large climbing equipment, and directed experiences in creative movement and motor skills
• Independence in daily living skills, such as eating, dressing, and toileting
• Concepts of quantity, causality, and spatial relations through directed exploration and experimentation
• Writing and reading skills appropriate to developmental and interest level
• Kindergarten readiness skills for all Pre-K children

LEARNING WITH THEMES

Activities based on specific themes (intended to thread activities together, without dominating them) are planned to provide experiences for a range of developmental levels in each of the following areas: cognitive, language, small motor, large motor, sensory, perceptual, and social. Field trips are implemented in conjunction with a theme to offer hands-on learning and exposure.

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