Pre K in Meriden, CT - Curriculum
The First Congregational Preschool, Inc. staff uses play to incorporate all areas of the curriculum in the early childhood classroom. Our curriculum framework is The Creative Curriculum, as well as the Connecticut Preschool Assessment Framework. Both are play based and include developmentally-appropriate expectations for children.
“Play is the highest form of research.”
Albert Einstein
- All curriculum is play based; we understand that children learn best through play. Play contributes to and enhances all areas of development in young children.
- Our curriculum is child interest based and intentional, we plan for the growth and development of the children in our classrooms.
- We are sensitive to the needs and cultures of the children and families who attend our program.
- We employ activities and materials that support childrens’ learning. The classroom environment is set up to ensure success for all students.
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) is an important part of the curriculum. We utilize scientific, practical activities that engage childrens’ natural curiosity.
- Enrichment activities supplement classroom experiences. We have special visitors, musicians, Bookmobile visits, yoga, karate, nutrition activities and field trips.
- Thoughtful questioning and conversation are integral to learning. We foster an
environment of open communication by relating our interactions to what’s happening in the classroom. - Family engagement is paramount to the growth and development of children, so we focus on creating a partnership between the teachers/classroom and the home/family.
- We design classroom content around the skills that children need to strengthen.
- We plan classroom experiences based on our observations of the children in class. Our method is to evaluate students’ skills and then build activities systematically in order to foster continued growth and development.
Intentional teaching does not happen by chance. It is planful, thoughtful and purposeful. Intentional teachers use their knowledge, judgement, and expertise to organize learning experiences for children; when an unplanned situation arises (as it always does), they can recognize a teaching opportunity and take advantage of it, too.