Preschool Prep Curriculum

The early Preschool Prep years are child-centered and filled with materials that encourage children to explore.  Teachers work closely with each child to ensure that his or her interaction with the materials is both satisfying and challenging.  The curriculum is organized around themes of topics and emphasizes on the children learning how to do things.  There is a balance of individual work, whole group activities, and small group lessons within a supportive, nurturing environment.  Our Preschool Prep Program is an introduction to learning basic academic concepts.

 Reading and Language Arts

As the children become accustomed to the new social setting of school, they begin to understand the necessity, power and pleasure of communication.  Our Reading and Language Arts Units are play-centered which supports the children in their individual language development.  An appreciation and love for books and reading is developed at story and circle time through books, story telling, and songs.  Vocabulary development, listening and speaking skills are also practiced daily.

 Mathematics

Children develop beginning number concepts by interacting with a wide variety of materials.  The Math Unit is exploratory and encourages hands-on experience through the use of math manipulative materials and games.  Teachers work closely with the children as they explore and guide them to expand their thinking.

Science

Understanding of the natural and physical world is broadened through investigations of science topics.  The Science Unit allows the children to engage in exploration using all of their senses for experiments, observations, and discussions.  The children will further their exploration with a weekly Science Lab that ties with their Science Unit.

Social Studies

The Social Studies Unit will work with the children on becoming more independent, learning to share, being able to ask for what they want and learning to be interested in others.  Emphasis is placed on respect for others, an appreciation of cultural differences, and a strong sense of community.  The children are ready to begin thinking about other people, and how they are the same and different.

Spanish

We at CrossRoads Child Development Center feel that due to the increasing bilingual population, an introduction to Spanish encourages an appreciation and understanding about this culture.  The children learn colors, numbers, shapes and family-related words through interactive songs and games.  Spanish lessons are linked to ongoing classroom curriculum when appropriate.  The children will have a weekly Spanish class that ties with the curriculum.

American Sign Language

Children express and communicate in different ways.  CrossRoads offers another form in which they can learn to express themselves using American Sign Language.  The children will have an American Sign Language class once a week.  During this time they learn signs that tie with their lessons that week, along with learning how to sign songs and play games using American Sign Language.

Music

The children are given the opportunity to express themselves daily through music, movement, speech, and song.  Fine and gross motor skills are developed with the use of manipulatives and equipment.  Once a week the children will participate in two focused music classes.  One class will further the children’s exploration of the week’s themes.  The second music class is a Christian music class that ties with their weekly Bible lesson. 

Physical Education

Through daily movement and physical activities we support the children’s physical growth and development.  The children learn how to play together while participating in structured lessons and developing teamwork.  The children will also participate in a focused Physical Education class once a week.

Yoga

The children will have a Yoga class once a week.  Yoga is "a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being." This “system of exercises” consists of slow body movements and intentional, deep breathing that help stretch and strengthen muscles and focus the mind.  Preschoolers are prime candidates for fully taking in the advantages of yoga, especially considering that their young minds are ripe for implementing habits that can carry through for a lifetime.

Art

The children express their feelings, emotions, and thoughts through daily art projects and activities.  They will use a wide range of art media and techniques to create expressive artwork.  Art projects are often tied to the classroom curriculum.  The children also have a focused art lesson through a weekly Art class.

Bible

The children will learn and understand that God loves them daily.  Once a week the children will have a Bible lesson.  There are two portions of the Bible curriculum throughout the year, The Old Testament and The New Testament.  The Old Testament Unit introduces the children to God’s greatness and plan.  The New Testament Unit guides children to become Jesus’ friends.