Our curriculum
CURRICULUM
We believe that children learn best through authentic, meaningful, inquiry-based exploration - forming their own hypotheses and adjusting their knowledge base as new experiences provide deeper levels of understanding. Our thematic, standards-based curriculum is designed to provide instruction that includes:
2. Language growth
3. Self-regulation
4. Social skills
ASSESSMENT
Our curriculum and instruction are aligned to our formal assessment tools (ASQ & GOLD) and is used to:
HANDS-ON LEARNING CENTERS
Children are encouraged to make independent choices and develop their thinking skills as they learn at various learning centers situated throughout the classroom. These stations provide opportunities for the individual child as well as the entire group to develop sensory, listening, writing, and math skills. We use art materials, easels, manipulatives, computers, dramatic play, and much more to engage the children with hands-on experiences in an age-appropriate setting, stimulating their curiosity and intellectual growth. A print-rich classroom environment and a high-quality multicultural library complement the learning centers and promote literacy.
Children also hear and respond to stories, learn to debate, problem solve and negotiate, and are encouraged to express their creativity. They may take part in music, movement, and art classes specially tailored toward their age levels. Their gross motor skills are developed with ample play time in our full-size gym and private fenced-in playground.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Family members play a critical role in supporting growth and development of their children. Rainbow Christian Preschool & Kindergarten recognizes parents and families as the child's primary nurturers and teachers, encouraging them to be involved in all aspects of the program - planning, implementation, and evaluation. A wealth of opportunities that are sensitive to and respectful of family composition, language, and culture are available, as the examples that follow illustrate:
CHRIST-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT
Teaching about God and Jesus is also very important to us. We believe that God is Love, who inspires and strengthens all efforts to raise children in safe and caring ways, so that they can reach their fullest potential. We are committed to providing a Christ-centered atmosphere, so in our private program classrooms (non 3K & Pre-K For All (PKA) classrooms), our curriculum includes prayer, Bible teaching, Christian stories and songs and a weekly chapel service with the pastor of St. Jacobus Lutheran Church. Our goal is to instill Christian values and to cultivate in children a sense of spirituality, joy, community, respect for others, and their own value as beloved children of God.
We believe that children learn best through authentic, meaningful, inquiry-based exploration - forming their own hypotheses and adjusting their knowledge base as new experiences provide deeper levels of understanding. Our thematic, standards-based curriculum is designed to provide instruction that includes:
- A combination of both teacher and child-initiated activities to nurture social emotional, developmental, and academic growth.
- Learning through play with adult interactions that emphasize:
2. Language growth
3. Self-regulation
4. Social skills
- Whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one interactions designed to meet the individual needs of children.
- A focus on dialogue between teachers and children that fosters higher level reasoning and thinking skills.
- Support for the home language and culture of all children.
- Caring relationships with teachers that promote children's emerging abilities and aptitudes to learn.
ASSESSMENT
Our curriculum and instruction are aligned to our formal assessment tools (ASQ & GOLD) and is used to:
- observe and measure students progress to guide teaching and learning
- inform parents about children's learning and development
- identify learning needs of individual children
- support continuous improvement efforts and provide evaluation information
HANDS-ON LEARNING CENTERS
Children are encouraged to make independent choices and develop their thinking skills as they learn at various learning centers situated throughout the classroom. These stations provide opportunities for the individual child as well as the entire group to develop sensory, listening, writing, and math skills. We use art materials, easels, manipulatives, computers, dramatic play, and much more to engage the children with hands-on experiences in an age-appropriate setting, stimulating their curiosity and intellectual growth. A print-rich classroom environment and a high-quality multicultural library complement the learning centers and promote literacy.
Children also hear and respond to stories, learn to debate, problem solve and negotiate, and are encouraged to express their creativity. They may take part in music, movement, and art classes specially tailored toward their age levels. Their gross motor skills are developed with ample play time in our full-size gym and private fenced-in playground.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Family members play a critical role in supporting growth and development of their children. Rainbow Christian Preschool & Kindergarten recognizes parents and families as the child's primary nurturers and teachers, encouraging them to be involved in all aspects of the program - planning, implementation, and evaluation. A wealth of opportunities that are sensitive to and respectful of family composition, language, and culture are available, as the examples that follow illustrate:
- Open Door Policy
- Family Surveys
- Formal Conferences
- Classroom/Field-trip Involvement
- Community Services/Resources
- Family Workshops
- Family Coffee Hours
- Special Events/Celebrations/Festivals
CHRIST-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT
Teaching about God and Jesus is also very important to us. We believe that God is Love, who inspires and strengthens all efforts to raise children in safe and caring ways, so that they can reach their fullest potential. We are committed to providing a Christ-centered atmosphere, so in our private program classrooms (non 3K & Pre-K For All (PKA) classrooms), our curriculum includes prayer, Bible teaching, Christian stories and songs and a weekly chapel service with the pastor of St. Jacobus Lutheran Church. Our goal is to instill Christian values and to cultivate in children a sense of spirituality, joy, community, respect for others, and their own value as beloved children of God.