Curriculum
Panda Children’s Center uses the Creative Curriculum. The overall framework is designed to address how children develop and learn, the significance of the environment in the process of learning, and the teachers and family’s roles. The Creative Curriculum places a high priority on creating a classroom environment where children experiment, explore, and pursue their own interests through studies and investigations, commonly known as active learning. The curriculum is also easily linked to the assessment tools used in the preschool program and is inclusive of all learners, including children with disabilities. The curriculum also supports language development in Dual Language Learners.
The individualized instruction, ongoing observations, and child assessments are based on eleven domains of development: language, literacy, math, science, approaches to learning, social- emotional, physical/health, social studies, logic and reasoning, creative arts and language development. The instruction also includes active learning experiences, building on success and previous knowledge as children develop skills necessary for a successful entry into kindergarten. During the five (5) day school week, instruction is designed to develop children's abilities to follow routines, work in a cooperative environment, follow health and safety rules, and successfully function in individual, small group, and large group settings.
The standards for the child development and education program component shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
The individualized instruction, ongoing observations, and child assessments are based on eleven domains of development: language, literacy, math, science, approaches to learning, social- emotional, physical/health, social studies, logic and reasoning, creative arts and language development. The instruction also includes active learning experiences, building on success and previous knowledge as children develop skills necessary for a successful entry into kindergarten. During the five (5) day school week, instruction is designed to develop children's abilities to follow routines, work in a cooperative environment, follow health and safety rules, and successfully function in individual, small group, and large group settings.
The standards for the child development and education program component shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The program approach is developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate.
- The program is inclusive of children with special needs.
- The program encourages respect for the feelings and rights of others.
- The program supports children’s social and emotional development, by building trust, planning routines and transitions so they can occur in a timely, predictable, and unhurried manner.
- The program helps children develop emotional security and facility in social Relationships.
- The program provides for the development of each child’s cognitive and language skills by using various strategies, including experimentation, inquiry, observation, play, exploration; opportunities for creative self-expression through activities.
- The program promotes each child’s physical development by promoting sufficient time, indoor and outdoor space, equipment, materials, and guidelines for active play and movement.
- The program develops and maintains practices that are healthy and safe.