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Children learn best through play and by interacting with others. At DHCDC, children are encouraged to experiment and explore as they develop and learn. We provide opportunities for children to participate in large and small group activities as well as interest centers.
We believe that experiences during the early years provide a foundation for the child’s future social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth.
Children go through an orderly series of developmental stages as they grow. These stages are basically the same for all children. However, the rate at which children move through the stages can vary greatly from child to child.
DHCDC’s program follows a developmental approach to learning and curriculum planning that:
- Recognizes and supports the uniqueness of each child.
- Encourages each child to progress at his/her own rate.
- Fosters curiosity and the use of imagination.
- Builds a secure sense of self worth.
- Provides a stimulating environment that meets the needs of individual interests, differences and capabilities.
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Age |
The Creative Curriculum® |
Al's Pals |
Doors to Discovery™ |
Growing with Mathematics™ |
| Infants through age 2 |
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| 3-year-olds |
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| 4- and 5-year-olds |
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The Creative Curriculum
Learning through play
The Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive early childhood educational system that emphasizes a practical, easy-to-understand approach to working with children. It promotes the use of interest areas as a way of providing experiences that promote cognitive, social, physical and language development. |
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Al’s Pals
Developing emotional
and social skills
Al's Pals is a nationally recognized evidence-based curriculum and teacher training program that develops social-emotional skills, self-control, problem-solving abilities and healthy decision-making in children ages 3-8. |
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Doors to Discovery
Focus on literacy
Doors to Discovery is a literacy-based, early childhood curriculum that uses thematic units to engage young children and support them as they build an understanding of their world. These activities are used to encourage children’s development in a number of areas identified by research as the foundation for early literacy success: oral language, phonological awareness, concepts of print, alphabet knowledge, writing and comprehension.
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Growing with Mathematics
Math concepts and
problem-solving skills
Growing with Mathematics is a core mathematics program for pre-kindergarten students. Its comprehensive curriculum incorporates a balanced approach, reflecting current cognitive and social theories of early mathematics learning. In particular, the program views children as active learners who construct their own mathematical understanding through interacting with their environment and their peers.
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According to a recent Washington Post article,
research has shown that by age 23,
people who attended play-based preschools were eight times less likely to need treatment for
emotional disturbances than those who went to preschools where direct instruction prevailed.
Graduates of play-based preschools were also three times less likely to be arrested
for committing a felony.
We offer a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes:
- Creative, open-ended art
- Music and movement
- Cooking
- Toys and games for small muscle development
- Dramatic play
- Enrichment activities
(guest speakers and field trips)
- Problem solving
- Language development
- Literacy activities
- Math and science
- Outdoor exploration for large muscle development
- Ongoing opportunities for emotional
and social growth
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Classrooms have established interest areas such as:
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Blocks
Discovery
and Science
Dramatic Play
Sand
and Water
Table Toys and Games
Writing
Art
Computer
Library
Music |
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