Curriculum

Preschool

Each day the children engage in both formal lesson time as well as unstructured play and learning centers time, allowing them to be well-rounded through several modes of developmentally-appropriate learning (play-based, teacher-led, child-led, etc.). During the school year, we utilize Frog Street's pre-k curriculum as source material for our lessons. We encourage teachers to cater to their strengths when choosing which areas to highlight in the lessons. Incorporating additional activities and crafts is also welcome. There are paper FrogStreet curriculum books and materials, as well as a robust online portal for songs, ebooks, etc. as well as a digital version of the curriculum books.

During the Summer Session, our staff, in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards and Kindergarten Readiness standards, creates our formal lessons. They may also use the Big Day for Prek curriculum resources to create lesson plans. Copies of each week’s lesson plans, and corresponding activities and instructions are in the “Lesson Plan” binder in each of the classrooms. They are also kept electronically in Google Drive. You are encouraged to look ahead to see the lessons for the week. Preparation for the following day’s lesson can be completed during nap time or first thing in the morning during early drop off time. Teaching leads are given at least 1 hour weekly administrative time outside of ratios for Lesson Planning.

For both the Summer Session and the School Year, we encourage the use of Fundations products for extra early literacy skills. There is a Teaching Guide that can be used as a resource and for more information on how to use the flashcards, letter formation scripts, Baby Echo, etc.

If you need access to the Google Drive folder or Frog Street portal, please speak to Administration for access.

School Age

School age children during the school year follow a daily schedule, and there are Sprouts teacher-created lessons and themes on wraparound days. Teachers work collaboratively to create and lead lessons and activities around themes, which are shared with families and approved by administrators. These lessons follow PA standards, with the standards listed on the lesson plans and on the lesson calendars, which are to be posted on the wall in the school age childcare area, visible to parents and staff. Staff will help the children with homework whenever possible and the child is cooperative. However, there are formal lessons prepared for half days and in-service days following PA Standards. As with preschool, they will be printed in a Lesson Plan folder as well as stored electronically in Google Drive.

In the event of Distance Learning/Remote Learning days, staff will make an effort to help children on to their calls, complete their work, and adhere to their school's schedule. Meal times for the class at the center must be followed regardless of online schedules. (For more information on this topic, staff can refer to the technology and distance learning policies signed upon enrollment by families.)

During summer, daily lessons are scheduled, similar to in-service/drop-in days for the children.