As children transition to the toddler room, they are expected to follow a more “group” routine. Most of the day is comprised of free play and child directed activities. Teachers will implement small group activities and encourage participation but never force a child to a center activity.

The children in this group range in ages 2-3. The routine and schedule of the classroom provides ample free play time. Most of the day should still remain child directed. The caregiver's role in this room is to help facilitate the child's play and social interactions. Problem solving and conflict resolution skills are a major component to the daily curriculum in this age group.

The Arizona Early Learning Standards are used as a framework for planning of quality experiences for all children in the preschool room. Planned small and large group activities cover the following areas of development: Social-Emotional, Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Development (Fine and Gross Motor) and Fine Arts.

The Arizona Early Learning Standards are used as a framework for planning of quality experiences for all children in the Pre-K classroom as well. There is a greater emphasis on academic learning in Pre-K. Goals for children are social and emotional competency, mastering basic self help skills, emotional regulation and conflict resolution. Letters are used as themes in the Pre-K classroom. Goals for children are letter recognition, sound recognition and letter formation by the end of the academic year.

We will begin discussing Kindergarten in early September in the pre-k classroom. We will have visits from Kindergarten teachers in late fall and early spring. We will skype with teachers in Kindergarten classroom and begin building the bridge between pre-k and kindergarten. Two to three months before Kindergarten, we will ask each family the name of their child’s new school so that we can begin talking to the children about their new school. At the end of the school year a Pre-K graduation party will be held so that families and friends can celebrate the child’s accomplishments.

The developmental range for infants 0-12 months of age is so wide that curriculum planning must be individualized to meet each child’s needs. Primary caregivers set goals in the different areas of development (social-emotional, language, cognitive, physical and motor) based on the child’s age, development and individual differences. Once goals are set, teachers plan activities to help children achieve those goals. For example, an infant who is able to get on his/her knees and rock back and forth is displaying early signs of crawling. The primary caregiver would provide ample safe space with many toys just out of the child’s reach to help the child achieve their goal. Young infants are provided with ample tummy time opportunities. All infants are on their own individual schedules and care is provided on demand.