At Children’s Discovery Place at Polaris your child will benefit from educational programs designed to promote learning and development in the following areas: social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive. The programs provide developmentally appropriate activities in the areas of early literacy, mathematics, science, technology, creative expression and the arts, health and safety, and social studies and more. We incorporate several foreign languages in the core curriculum for all age groups.
In addition to the core curriculum your child will also benefit from imbedded music and arts, visits from the Delaware Library, event enrichment such as Mathapalooza and Annual CDP Science Fair as well as ample physical activity rain or shine, thanks to our indoor muscle room!
All classrooms have a standard lesson plan and structure, but at CDP we also work to recognize individual interests and the educational temperament and preferences of the children. Lesson plans are then flexible and can be shortened or extended to meet the interests and needs of the children. Below are examples of a basic daily schedule for reference.
DAILY ACTIVITIES:
Infants:
Teachers follow the lead of individual infants for meeting feeding, sleeping, language development and sensory motor needs. Infants enjoy toys and activities design to stimulate brain development and include classical music and early literacy.
Toddlers and Preschoolers:
Early morning: Because children arrive at different times, a variety of activities are available for children when they arrive. Playdough, table games, art and the sensory table help children become involved.
Mid-morning: All areas of the room are open to children, including dramatic play, art activities and the block area. Morning snack is available. Small groups of children can take turns using the large muscle room.
Late morning: The children and their teachers gather for large group time to sing, talk about their day and enjoy movement activities. Children then participate in small groups with their teachers.
Early afternoon: Children and teachers gather for a family-style lunch time. We encourage self-help skills, manners, and social interactions at this time. Children choose a shelf toy or book as they finish eating, and enjoy some relaxing time before going outside.
Afternoon: Children come in from the playground, wash their hands, and gather for a story before rest time. Quiet music is played as teachers rub backs and children rest on individual cots.
Late afternoon: Table activities are available as children slowly get up from rest time. Snacks are available and interest centers are open before children go outside to play. Individual activities are the focus at the end of the day as children prepare to go home.
Dear Parents:
We wanted to take a few minutes to give you some highlights of the fantastic curriculum program utilized in your child’s classroom. We are very proud to be a user of TheCreative Curriculum, as it is the country’s leading scientifically based, research-validated, comprehensive curriculum with guidance on teaching literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. This curriculum is used to teach Early Childhood Education students at many colleges!
The curriculum materials show teachers not only what to teach, but how and why. This inclusive, strengths-based approach is appropriate for all children, including dual-language learners and children with disabilities. The curriculum has separate programs specifically designed for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers and has additional features including assessments, implementation and evaluation, and professional development to create high-quality learning environments. This system links curriculum and assessment to allow teachers to be intentional about the experiences they offer, while retaining the flexibility to be responsive to the changing needs and abilities of young children.
By utilizing this advanced curriculum and providing low teacher to child ratios we are committed to providing your child with the highest quality childcare. Our philosophies have always been to provide a loving and nurturing environment, coupled with the best educational programming available today; creating the best environment for your child and the highest value for your family.
A very high-level outline of the weekly lesson plan is always posted outside your child’s classroom.