Philosophy:
CKDO uses developmentally appropriate practices to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where children develop spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. Our center offers a "hands on" approach to learning. This style of early childhood education is designed to foster the creativity and expanded self-expression that God created in each child. CKDO teachers manifest their respect for children by encouraging them to think for themselves, make decisions, work toward their own solutions, and express their own ideas and feelings. CKDO embraces the belief that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Parents are encouraged to participate in a variety of center activities, including birthday and holiday celebrations, walking trips, field trips, parent-child experiential evenings, and social activities. Parents are welcome visitors in the classroom at all times.
The program provides an innovative curriculum with materials, experiences and teaching methods that are grounded in the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) principles of child development including age and individual appropriateness. Learning activities are presented through play and tasks were the process is the focus not the product. These activities engage the children so they can explore, experiment, imitate, ask questions and be questioned to further their thinking and problem solving skills.
Curriculum:
CKDO preschool curriculum is a discovery-based learning experience that gives each individual child the opportunity to move through specially designed learning centers of his or her own level of interest and ability. The curriculum focuses on learning basic concepts and skills through hands-on experiences and activities. Some centers are designed to develop large and small motor skills while others are more academically oriented. Through our program, each child is given the tools needed to encourage the growth of the whole child.
Goals of the Curriculum:
To provide a positive sense of identity and emotional well-being
To develop age-appropriate social, physical, language and literacy skills
To encourage thinking, reasoning, questioning and experimentation
To provide exposure to the arts and encourage creative expression
To demonstrate proper health, safety and nutritional practices
To respect gender, age and cultural diversity
To apply biblical principles to the classroom and community