Program Details

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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