Bible Based Curriculum
Cornerstone Daycare Learning Center has developed our own Bible Curriculum called Bible Cornerstones. Just as a "cornerstone" is the first stone set in the construction of a building's foundation, we believe we can help build the foundation of biblical principles in the chidlren's lives. Our goal is not only to instill biblical knowledge, but also a love for the Word of God.
It is our responsibility to present these Biblical truths and concepts in an age appropriate manner. Children will learn that Jesus is the son of God and that God created and cares for them. They will learn they can pray to Him and that He listens. Songs, stories, fingerplays, art, creative play, and other experiences will all be a part of this process of learning.
Our curriculum partners well with The Creative Curriculum used at the center and focuses on all the different content areas of learning.
The Creative Curriculum
We have adopted The Creative Curriculum center wide. The Creative Curriculum is a "ROAD MAP" that provides teachers the opportunity to instill structure and organization in the classroom. The assessment tools help the teachers know where each child is in their developmental process and how they can create a responsive environment in which that child can grow. Learning opportunities are provided through play and exploration. Children's skills are strengthened and challenged during large and small group activities. The Creative Curriculum is built on theory and research and helps to improve decision making of the teachers. It outlines the materials that should be available in the classroom and what should be happening in the learning areas to promote growth. The role of the family in the learning process is valued.
We carefully observe each child's behavior to gain insight into ways we can motivate, challenge and guide them. Our goal is to support the development of self-esteem and self-confidence resulting in the child's ability and willingness to learn. We strive to accept each child as is, rather than judge them by what they are able to do. A combination of child initiated and teacher organized activities offer children choices and a sense of freedom as they enjoy their day at Cornerstone.
Toddler Curriculum
The toddler component of The Creative Curriculum focuses on the child's abilities and their developmental goals. Each child is assessed individually to determine where they are in the developmental continuum and how we can help them move to the next level. Play is valued and looked at as a source of learning. Interpersonal skills are beginning to be developed at this age and are encouraged as children look to their peers as a source of play, comfort and knowledge.
Our caregivers help foster trust by playing with children and caring for their needs. A nurturing atmosphere will help children grow emotionally and learn to trust those around them. Focus on large and fine motor skills is also important during this time. Exploring the world around them whether it be through hopping, jumping, climbing or sorting manipulatives enable the children to grow in hand-eye coordination that lays a foundation for movement and play.
Imaginative play is important in developing social interactions. We encourage the use of puppets or dramatic play to gain language and social skills. Art is valued as a creative outlet for toddlers.
The Creative Curriculum lays the foundation that toddlers need to succeed in later years. Portfolios are kept for each child to determine children's developmental stage and keep track of their progress. Yearly parent-teacher conferences are in the Spring.
Preschool Curriculum
The preschool component of The Creative Curriculum focuses on children's development in four areas; social/emotional, cognitive, language and physical. Our goal is to determine where your child is in their stage of growth and provide them with activities and tools to move them to the next level.
The Creative Curriculum takes the children's interest areas into consideration. It helps build an atmosphere where learning is natural and desired. Knowing the children is essential. Knowing the children's temperments, life experiences, culture, special needs, and developmental stage is important for planning activities and providing materials that encourage growth. The environment itself is set up to facilitate learning and play. The environment of the classroom changes often so the children can learn in new ways and use different materials. The set-up of the classsroom gives the day flow and structure. Items like a visual schedule is important in helping children gain time concepts and and understanding of what is next.
Children in the preschool area enjoy sorting and classifying objects, predicting outcomes, problem solving, science discovery activities, outdoor play, imaginative play, small motor skills such as cutting skills, art, journaling and inventive writing.
Family Roles are important to develop a relationship between school and home as well as consistency and contuinuity in goals. Portfolios are kept for each child to determine children's developmental stage and keep track of their progress. Yearly parent-teacher conferences are in the Spring.
