Curriculum

Early Years is a developmental preschool, encouraging children to learn through play. Classes have a theme for each week (seasons and nature, holidays, animals, food and nutrition, family, community helpers, outer space, etc.) and lessons are designed around stories, songs, finger plays, art, large motor play, centers, and other activities specific to the theme. Academic skills, appropriate to each age group, are integrated into the curriculum to encourage matching, counting, sorting, alphabet recognition, shapes, colors, numbers, etc.

Music and Movement Program

Our Movement and Music program is exciting, educational, and is designed to give preschoolers an appreciation for the performing arts. Students in the Penguins and Parrots classes attend this program, which consists of one thirty minute session, at least once per week. During the class, students use instruments and props to follow a specific musical rhythm, with tempos becoming more complicated as the school year progresses. Students also play "movement games," following the bi-weekly class themes, oftentimes having partnering and group activities. The program is designed to encourage creativity, develop confidence, and expose students to performing in front of an audience. Students learn a short piece of choreography that they demonstrate during the periodic performances that take place throughout the school year. Parents and friends attend these performances, and the children are always thrilled to have an audience!

Other Special Programs

Early Years hosts a variety of special programs throughout the year, including Bible Time (optional), Spanish and Discovery Science (Preschoolers). We also offer in-house presentations throughout the year from Gulf Creek Nature Center, Arlington Fire and Police Departments, and others.