The education curriculum is developed to meet the individual needs of children as identified through assessments. Developmentally appropriate activities are presented to children in a language rich, nurturing preschool environment.
Children are grouped in classes according to their ages.
The children’s eligibility age is based on the public school established date of September 1st. Although the program year starts in August, if a child meets the age requirement by September 1st, they may be eligible for the program.
Teachers must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an AA Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Transition activities are provided into the program and out of the program.
Parents are encouraged to attend parent orientation, center visits, and tour the facilities. An information flyer will be distributed regarding how to prepare your child for their first day of school and what to expect.
Transition activities from the program into public school kindergarten will be schedule in the spring. Staff will work with children and families in preparing the child to enter kindergarten. In addition, if a teacher is aware that a child is leaving Head Start to enroll in another child care setting, the teacher will make every effort to facilitate that transition.
Parents will be provided with education and training to prepare them to exercise their rights and responsibilities concerning the education of their children in the school setting in order to promote the continued involvement of Head Start parents in the education and development of their children upon transition to school.
Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions concerning their rights and responsibilities and their children’s rights and responsibilities in the school setting.
Parents will be encouraged to meet and discuss the developmental progress and abilities of their children with Head Start teachers and elementary teachers. The meeting will provide opportunities for parents to raise concerns they may have about their child’s placement, receipt of necessary services, or general progress.
Letters/notes will be sent home by staff informing parents of registration dates, documents needed for kindergarten registration and any additional information that is needed by kindergarten such as a parent questionnaire or information sheet.
A visit/tour to kindergarten classrooms will be scheduled before the end of the school year for parents and children who will be leaving Head Start. Parents are encouraged to visit the kindergarten classrooms with their child.
Before the visit to the elementary/primary school, the teacher will discuss the field trip with the children, read books about transition/change, allow children to role play and show the video, “Kindergarten, Here I Come”. Parents are invited to the center to watch the video, “Kindergarten, Here I Come”.
CSI Child Development Services utilizes the Creative Curriculum. The curriculum addresses all aspects of development and learning including:
The Creative Curriculum is enhanced by activities such as:
The requirements for child observations and ongoing assessment continue throughout the child’s enrollment in the program. The Creative Continuum is the electronic management of learning is used to assure the documentation of positive child outcomes. Staff and parents can follow the child’s progress and experiences, and to provide more meaningful curriculum experiences that support each child’s individual learning and development.
The Creative Curriculum is used in each classroom as a base for the guidance of preschool learning experiences.
