About Our
Emergent Curriculum Approach
Emergent curriculum is a philosophy of teaching and way of planning a curriculum that focuses on being responsive to children’s interests to create meaningful learning experiences. This philosophy prioritizes:
active participation
relationship building
inquiry
play-based learning
Our curriculum is child-initiated, collaborative, and responsive to the children’s needs. On a regular basis, teachers design interactions and activities to facilitate the growth of a child’s verbal, expressive, small and gross motor skills through active exploration and positive interactions with other children and adults.
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YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS
SEEDLINGS & ACORNS
Ages 2-3
Our Seedlings (for children ages 2-3 who are not yet potty trained) & Acorns (for children ages 2-3 who ARE potty trained) classes are child initiated and teacher guided. Focus is on play which fosters cooperation, socialization, self-regulation and tactile experiences. Basic skills such as counting, colors, shapes and listening skills are naturally incorporated into the daily experiences. In the seedling classroom, there is also an emphasis on potty training. Nap/Rest time is incorporated into the Seedling and Acorn schedule for ¾ and Full Day students.
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PINECONES & OAK TREES
Ages 4-6
The Pinecones class (newly 4 year-olds) and Oak Trees class (ages 5+)Â is more structured as we prepare our older children for kindergarten. We have a stronger focus on pre-kindergarten skills such as number and letter recognition, basic writing skills, listening comprehension, problem solving, conflict resolution and continued independence skills.
Daily Schedule
While every day is a new experience at SCC (guided by the children's interests and weekly themes),
the schedule below is the general format of the day.
8:30 AM - 9 AM
As students are dropped off - the day begins with outside exploration in the play yards.
Arrival
9 AM
Circle Time
After hand washing, students gather with their teachers to discuss the topics/themes of the day, read a story or sing!
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9:20 AM
Morning Hike
Time to explore the grounds and trails surrounding the school, looking for local flora and fauna and discovering wildlife (bugs and small critters).
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10 AM
Back on campus, we'll wash hands and then sit down for a healthy snack (provided by the school).
Snack
10:20 AM
Outside Exploration
There's always something new to discover in our play yards - our teachers guide activities to inspire little minds.
11:50
Lunchtime
After cleaning up in the play yard and washing hands, it's lunchtime! Lunches are provided by families - sent daily in re-usable containers. (No heating of food)
12:20
While our 1/2 day students gather belongings to head home, students join for story time.
Group Story
12:30
Goodbye OR Rest Time
Pick up time for our 1/2 day students.
Rest time for our 3/4 day students.
For non-nappers, it's time for quiet activities (puzzles, books, drawing).
2:30 PM
After rest time students are back outside as 3/4 day students await pickup.
Wake and Outside Exploration
3 PM
Goodbye OR Snack Time
Pick up time for our 3/4 day students
Afternoon snack time for our Full Day students
3:45 PM
A perfect time to get some afternoon energy out!
Afternoon Hike
5 PM
Pick up for our Full Day students