WCSU Early Learning Center

Curriculum

As a NAEYC accredited program, we build our curriculum upon accreditation criteria and developmentally appropriate practices.  A plan of study based on monthly “Big Ideas” is aligned with the standards outlined in the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards.  Teachers plan learning experiences, observe and document progress to meet Connecticut’s expectations of what children show know and be able to do by the end of preschool.  Teachers use their knowledge of students (based on daily interaction, anecdotal notes, and information obtained from the Connecticut Preschool Assessment Framework, along with parent conference information and questionnaires completed by parents) to choose curriculum goals and activities that match the interests and needs of the children in the class.  The curriculum is individualized with activities designed to support each child in developing new skills.  Through building these foundational skills we seek to provide the basis for developing successful, lifelong learners.

 

Curriculum Enrichment Programs

WCSU Early Learning Center is sponsored by the university and operated by EdAdvance.  This special relationship with WCSU provides many opportunities for collaboration. 

 

  • The WCSU Advisory Board is made up of university personnel, parents and program representatives. The board meets monthly to provide guidance regarding program needs. They participate in the staff hiring process, attend Center events and family programs. The WCSU Advisory Board raises money to provide scholarships to WCSU students in need of financial assistance to pay. The subsidies allow some children to attend at a reduced rate.

 

  • The Financial Aid office places students at the Center for work-study positions and Social Work department places student interns at the Center as part of their field work experience.This allows for smaller teacher-child ratios and more individualized instruction.

 

  • The children visit the library once a month for story time. The stories are read by the librarian and university faculty/staff.

 

  • The children are invited to attend theater department productions, music department concerts and other programs taking place on campus.

 

  • The university allows us the use of their gymnasium and other rooms on campus to implement programming that requires a larger space.

 

Daily Activity Schedule Sample

7:30 am – 9:00
Arrival, Self-selected play (all centers open)
15 minutes for clean-up/transition
9:15 – 9:30 Circle Time (Whole group)
9:30 – 10:00
Centers and Snack (Literacy, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Bucket Toys)
15 minutes for clean-up/transition
10:15 – 11:00 Outside play/Gross motor activities
11:00 – 11:20 Story Time (Whole Group)
11:20 – 12:00 pm 
Table activities (Art, Sensory, Reading, Math, Science)
15 minutes for clean-up/transition
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch/Bathroom
12:45 – 1:00 Independent reading/Calming breaths for nap preparation
1:00 – 2:45 Nap/Rest time
2:45 – 3:00 Wake-up/Self-selected play
3:00 – 3:15 Circle Time (Whole group)
3:15 – 4:00
Centers and Snack (Art, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Bucket Toys, Technology)
15 minutes for clean-up/transition
4:15 – 5:00                 Outside play/Gross motor activities
5:00 – 5:30 pm            Self-selected play

 

 

All times are approximate and will vary depending on activities and student interest.Schedule is subject to change due to special activities and programs, weather considerations and other factors. Whenever possible, children are notified in advance of these changes.