Parent Curriculum Outline

Each age group, Infant to Preschool, will be taught a curriculum that is”Age Appropriate”. That means everything taught will be designed for each child’s age level.

Infant / Toddler

Their curriculum will be targeted by need, for example – ( Birth – 3 months ), ( 3-8 months ), ( 8-13 months), ( 12-18 months ). In each stage of the children’s first two years of their lives, they have certain steps of growth and development. Those stages are targeted to encourage that development. The child always leads. For example, in a child 0-3 months of age, their communication is reflexive. In a child of 3-8 months, communication is still not intentional. In a child of 8-13 months, communication is intentional. A child of 12-18 months communicates by using a small number of single words ( 10-20 ). By knowing what stage the child is in, the teacher can direct her or his lessons to encourage that stage’s development. The  daily environment, music, conversation, playtime and outside time daily will be used as the tools to present the curriculum to your infant. Physical needs are a priority.

Two’s

By the age of two, children strive to communicate, socialize,and discover. They begin to learn to share, care and organize play. Your child’s learning environment will be enhanced by love and patience as well as choices. Crayons, paint, paper, blocks, dramatic play, puzzles and books all begin to have meaning. “Manipulative development” space of fine motor skills promotes concentration and success. Simple games and specifically designed outdoor play equipment will develope motor skills. They will be encouraged to explore and to be social (sharing, awareness, and courtesy to others etc.). Potty-training is a large part of the curriculum for a two year old, when the parent and teacher agree the child is ready to be selfsuficient.

Preschool – (Ages 3-5)

The curriculum for the preschooler is a combination of activities, language, discovery (science), dramatic play, creative expression (art), and self-sufficiency e.g. (buttons, zippers, shoelaces, washing their own hands and face, bathroom techniques and table manners). The learning environment is enriched with “Learning Centers” that enhance social skills, and promote language, math, science and creative expression. Puzzles, manipulatives and scissors promote fine motor skills. Outside play, games and dancing promote gross motor skills. The classroom walls are covered with child initiated art, words and numbers in print, photographs and pictures to present a “Print-Rich Environment”. The children have a “Library Corner” with books, magazines and other reading materials to foster literacy. The children are taught the alphabet, colors, numbers and problem solving. They are encouraged to create their own play. Activities are presented to them to teach math, science, music and the enjoyment of learning.

Every child

At Lighthouse Christian Academy, every child enrolled participates in a Chapel Time each morning. Daily principles are applied to the learning environment through prayer, scripture, songs, music and Bible stories. The curriculum is written to teach the whole child with love, respect and patience.