Program Details
Curriculum and Program Philosophies
‘Tu Casa Curriculum’ is a healthy blend of many well-known child-led & adult guided early childhood education curricula. We incorporate past curriculum experiences of the educators, and use the PreK for ME curriculum as a guide in agreement for partnership with the public school in our district. Below is a summarized list of philosophies, methods, strategies, and skills we believe in and act upon to achieve our goals as a child-centered, emergent, interdependent, and community oriented early childhood education program.
Individuals of any gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, size, nationality, ability level, neurotype, religion, family structure, culture, subculture, identity, and self-identification are welcome
General learning themes are organized to reflect what is happening in nature, and traditions in the community
Topics are organized into four learning quarters. Topics covered during learning quarter is based on child interest, child choice, and group dynamics
Topics reflect what is happening in the lives of the children
Children choose topics of interest and adults put structure to them to guide learning
Open opportunity for family involvement to create a multicultural environment
Families are partners
Adult-guided activities give opportunity for the child’s voice and choice
All teaching and learning incorporates self-reflective practices
Learning is driven by interests of the child
Assessments strongly focus on the child’s strengths and include families and children in the process
Classroom is designed with dedication by the educator for the needs and interests of the group and individual children
Strong focus on the whole child: Mind, body and spirit
Learning space is warm and resembles a home
Feelings come 1st, information comes 2nd
High sensitivity and understanding of all living things
High value in verbal and non-verbal communication
Teaching and learning through stories
Experiential learning
Ample time for free play
Group projects
Ample time spent in nature, and materials from nature are brought indoors
Strong and frequent communication with families
Children are allowed to be active during group learning times
Children are allowed to take risks and creatively and independently problem solve
Inquiry and experimentation
Compassion
Active listening skills
Creativity
Being in school is joyful
Love and Freedom
What Tu Casa offers
Open 8:30-4:00 Monday-Friday
Aftercare for school aged children on Wednesday afternoons
Enrolling full-time ages 2-4
Open September to June
Morning snack
Weekly newsletters
Monthly calendar
Conference times with parents outside of Tu Casa hours
Social gatherings for the whole family
Kids bring their own
Lunch and afternoon snack
Rest time blanket
Water bottle
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Change of clothes
Weather appropriate outdoor gear