CURRICULUM

What is the child center's curriculum?

Our curriculum has its early roots in the cognitively oriented High Scope philosophy of learning. One of the central principles of this constructivist philosophy that still rings true today is that children are active learners. It is only through active learning—direct experience with objects, ideas, other children and adults that children construct their own knowledge about how things work. As children explore their environment, teachers will listen for children's emerging ideas about their discoveries. Children's ideas are expanded on through meaningful interactions with peers and adults. Some ideas evolve into short-term activities and others evolve into long term projects. Our major emphasis is on forming relationships. Relationships help children make connections. Our focus is on the process of learning. For example, the act of constructing a building or the manipulation of art materials is more important than the final product. We take joy in children's successes. We currently use Emergent Curriculum and the Project Approach in the classroom. Please see your child's teacher for more information.

What will a typical day be like for my child?

Our day is made up of blocks of times in which different activities take place. A daily schedule provides predictability to the day so children know what to expect. As your child becomes familiar with the natural rhythm of the day's routines she/he will feel safer and secure in her/his environment. A sample daily schedule is in the parent handbook and can be found in each classroom. The schedule provides for some flexibility so we can meet your child's individual needs.

What does "developmentally appropriate" mean, and how does it apply to my child?

Developmentally Appropriate refers to an approach to teaching. It is a growing and changing process. A program is generally thought of as "developmentally appropriate" if its practices are based on what is appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children they serve and if it meets the individual needs of the child [and family]. This means that we are able to focus on you and your child. We are a child-centered facility. Not only will your child's intellectual needs be met through carefully planned curricular activities but care will be given so that your child's—social, emotional, physical, and creative needs are met as well. Equipment, materials, and supplies are age and stage appropriate for the age groups we serve. Purdue Riley teachers and administrators are trained at looking at the needs of the "whole child." Purdue Riley teachers spend a great deal of time watching, listening and speaking with children. Teachers use their observational skills to help prepare the classroom environment to support the young three-year-old child and to challenge the older five-year-old child. It is our goal that children at different developmental levels can participate in activities with equal success.

Why is play important in my child's learning?

Play is the core or the "hub" of all early childhood activity. Children need to play with real objects rather than worksheets to form conceptual understandings about things in their world. Children need to move as they learn. Carefully prepared learning centers in the classroom help children interact actively with equipment, materials and supplies. Meaningful learning occurs when children are engaged in activities that support their growth and development in appropriate ways. Play has been referred to as a "window" to the child's world. Specially trained staff peek into this window to facilitate the child's whole development. Purdue Riley teachers engage children in meaningful dialogue that supports the acquisition of learning skills in subject areas such as math, science, social studies, literacy and creative arts.

Are there field trips? If so, will I be notified?

There are no "off campus" field trips. The University does not transport children on outings. However, we do offer supervised campus walks to places of interest to young children within walking distance of the child center. Yes, you will be notified of any campus walks at the front desk. Please see the parent handbook for more information on campus walks. We do have “in classroom field trips," too. We invite the professional campus community and our center families to visit the children from time to time and to share information about their jobs and what they do on or off campus. We love having visitors in our classrooms and encourage them to share their talents and hobbies. Children love to be read to and we also have room for "circle time" friends at every story time.

What will my child learn at preschool that he or she can't learn at home?

We respect parents as their child's first teachers. You have the life long investment in your child and family. Purdue Riley can enhance what you are already doing at home to help your child learn. Preschool and kindergarten isn't just something that keeps children busy until the real learning occurs in the later elementary grades. We know that children are learning all the time. Children really gain new life skills when they venture outside of the home. Being with other children and adults provides children the opportunity to explore and discover new things about their world. Teachers at Purdue Riley are trained to help children learn in a secure, predictable environment. Your child will develop skills that will enhance social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and creative development.

We offer a kindergarten program at Purdue Riley. Please see the director and/or assistant director for more information on the kindergarten program.

When will my child learn ABC's? How will your program help my child get ready to learn?

We know that you want the best preschool and kindergarten experience for your child and usually a parent's thoughts about early education lead to questions about readiness. Thinking ahead about preschool and kindergarten is good planning. Enrollment at Purdue Riley will provide your child the much needed experiences necessary for further learning. Curriculum in our kindergarten program follow the Indiana state standards in literacy as well as all other curriculum areas. Children will leave our kindergarten program ready for first grade work.

Developmentally rich play experiences provide each child the opportunity to socialize with other children and adults, to problem solve daily dilemmas, to develop self-help skills, to use their imagination, to learn about reading and writing, and to create. These experiences build on one another and help the child get ready for more "formal learning" situations that takes place in kindergarten classrooms. Children who are ready for kindergarten are children who have developed a desire for learning. Purdue Riley teachers encourage children’s openness to new experiences; they support children’s curiosity. They recognize children’s persistence in acquiring math and science skills. Our teachers awaken a love for literacy by promoting print awareness, story sense, verbal/listening/questioning skills, and encouraging a role of a reader and a writer in each child.

Do you celebrate Halloween or Valentine’s Day?

Please see the parent handbook for information on special days and celebrations.