Curriculum Overview
The centers of Child Development Council of NEPA follow a structured curriculum designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience for children of all ages.
- Main Curriculum: We utilize The Creative Curriculum as our primary framework.
- Supplemental Curricula:
- Risk Watch: A safety-focused curriculum.
- Color Me Healthy: A program promoting nutrition and health.
- PATHS (Positive Alternative Thinking Strategies): A curriculum supporting social-emotional development.
Appropriate implementation of our curriculum is considered a job performance standard for all staff members.
Developmental Screening
When a child enrolls in our program, a developmental screening is conducted using the Ages and Stages tool.
- The results are reviewed with the parents, incorporating their input.
- Parents sign off to confirm the review has been completed.
Developmental Assessments
Developmental assessments are conducted at least three times per year, with parent-teacher conferences scheduled to review results and discuss the child’s progress. Our assessment tools are tailored to the child’s age group:
- OUNCE: For infants and toddlers.
- Work Sampling: For preschool-aged children.
- School-Age Developmental Checklist: For school-aged children.
These assessments guide our planning and teaching as we implement the curriculum.
Regular Observations
Regular observations are conducted on each child to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
- Strengths: Recognized, applauded, and encouraged to further develop.
- Weaknesses: Targeted with specific activities or evaluated for special needs, if necessary.
These observations, along with assessment tools and curriculum materials, are readily available at each center.