The Center curriculum is child-centered and play-based, using themes, projects, and content units to inspire learning. Developmentally appropriate activities are designed and implemented for each content area, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, skill building, and active exploration.
“Each day we strive to build environments through which play and hands-on experiences help children build skills, develop an understanding of concepts, practice problem solving, and become productive, caring members of a community.”
At 51²è¹ÝCC, the curriculum is developed with the children’s interests, learning styles, and developmental levels in mind. The curriculum’s foundation is based on the Massachusetts Guidelines for Preschool Learning, NAEYC accreditation standards, and best practices in the field of early childhood education. A balance between teacher-initiated and child-initiated activities is maintained while focusing on the interests and likes of the children.
Each child’s progress is monitored through our authentic assessment system. Teachers use observations, anecdotal notes, checklist, work sampling, and some informal testing to understand how each child is learning and growing. Assessments are formally shared with families through two written assessment reports, work samples and photos, an individual portfolio, and parent conferences.
Our learning environments are developmentally appropriate and value and reflect how young children learn. The classrooms are organized, yet flexible, and filled with materials that are engaging, foster creativity and collaboration, and support hands-on learning. Classroom areas reflect the diversity of our Center in its images, materials, books, and toys.
We strive to create spaces in which children feel comfortable, challenged, and part of a community. 51²è¹ÝCC’s outdoor space is expansive, with many opportunities for active play, sensory experiences, social interactions, and nature-based learning.
