Programs
The CYC operates a :
Full day program for children ages 3 through 5
7:45 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, Sept. to June.Part-time program for children ages 3 through 5 7:45 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday, Sept. to June.
Kindergarten, full day state certified program,7:45 am to 5:30 pm, Sept. through June
Summer camp a six week program during late June- early August
At the Center for Young Children, the teachers, who hold degrees in Early Childhood Education, work with children using the Study Approach to complement their development within seven learning areas: Personal and Social Development, Language and Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Scientific Thinking, Social Studies, The Arts, and Physical Development.
The Curriculum
The CYC bases its curriculum on both teacher knowledge and what is meaningful for each child. Curriculum emerges from a collaboration between teacher direction and children’s interests.
Some of the goals of the curriculum are:
- To encourage children to be actively involved in the learning process.
- To prompt children to think creatively.
- To aide children in asking questions and discovering answers.
- To encourage children to become curious and enthusiastic learners.
- To support children in experiencing success and developing self-confidence.
- To promote, model and support appropriate social behavior.
Each learning area is considered as teachers set up appropriate materials for exploration and scaffolding of knowledge, as well as in the choice of study topics that allow for first-hand experiences. The Center for Young Children's Study Approach is based in theory on the educational philosophy of John Dewey and the Project Approach, a set of teaching strategies that enable teachers to guide children through in-depth studies of real world topics. Each study topic is explored for several weeks, giving the children opportunities to ask questions, actively explore hands on materials, interview experts, reflect on information gained, and share new knowledge with peers.
Curriculum Related Links
- Center for Young Children Curriculum Statement PDF
- Project Approach Website
- Do You Paint What's in Your Mind?
An example of a painting study. - The Bug Project
An example of a project implemented during summer camp.