Children, ages 2 to 3, benefit from the careful guidance of our skilled teachers in the Preschool Program. Educators in the Ivy Academy have earned their college degree in Early Childhood Education and continue their education constantly to keep their skills sharp.
Our preschool group accepts a maximum of 15 children, so that teachers can work individually with each child throughout the day as needed. The classroom itself is specially designed and distributed into areas where multiple activities can occur at the same time, creating a more relaxed environment that allows growth and development in each child.
Your child is at a stage where he or she has begun to demand more independence and expresses their very own personality and desires, like the frequent use of the word “no.” Teachers understand this natural phenomenon and are extra patient with them as they explore self-help skills, as well as their capabilities and limits. Under the guidance of our teachers, your young preschooler will begin practicing: dressing and undressing themselves, toileting, feeding themselves, setting the table, brushing their teeth, washing their hands, organizing/categorizing and picking up toys, and so much more! The staff is mindful of possible accidents, liked spilled liquids or toilet mishaps, and will gently assist your child without repromands. Continue reading to find out how your child learns at this age, and to receive a detailed description of the curriculum for our Pre II-Classroom.
HOW YOUNG CHILDREN LEARN
Learning is a complex process that results from the interaction of children’s thoughts and experiences in the world. Young children learn best by doing. Maturation is an important contributor to learning because it provides a framework from which children’s learning proceeds. As a child gets older, they acquire new skills and experiences that facilitate the learning process. Physical and cognitive growth leads to better handling and exploration of their surroundings and an improved understanding of others.
The teachers at the Ivy Academy of Early Learning Inc. guide children through their experiences to help facilitate their learning. The staff observes and adjusts lesson plans and the classroom environment to accommodate and assist the children in their lessons. Teaching isn’t just the act of giving information, it requires more than verbal instruction. Our teaching staff prepares classroom activities and the learning environment to provide stimulating and challenging materials, and activities to enrich your child. During these learning moments, the teacher will closely observe to see what your child understands and pose additional challenges to push his or her thinking further. The key is balancing expectations; they cannot be too low or too high.
Though two-and three-year-old children are no longer toddlers, they will sometimes, unexpectedly, behave like them. At other times, their language ability and motor skills will deceptively mimic a four-year-old child. Our teachers understand that developmental continuum from toddlerhood through preschool, and exercise patience and supportive care as they educate children at this stage of development. Teachers are affectionate and supportive, comforting the children when they cry, reassuring them when fearful. They plan experiences that alleviate the children’s fears and support independence.
Art expression is part of the planned activities where your child will freely explore distinct materials like crayon, brushes, paints, markers, play dough, blunt scissors, and more. Goals that foster gross and fine motor skills play a major role in our curriculum. Your child will have access to puzzles, pegboards, beads to string, construction sets, among other engaging materials.
We also provide plenty of opportunities for your child to safely, freely, and loudly explore outdoor environments, exercising his or her large and small muscles. They will be able to explore their running, jumping, and balancing skills in a protected setting. With the right atmosphere and qualified teachers as an advantage, your child’s natural curiosity and desire to make sense of the world will motivate him or her to become engaged in learning activities.
We strive to meet the expectations of your family, and pride ourselves in our ability to find the right combination of tools to assist your child in the ever-growing process of learning. Please always feel welcome to join your child’s class or ask for an appointment with your child’s teacher at any time!