ACADEMICS

Programming is a key differentiator between daycare and Child Development Programs. LLVA will stand out as the premier Child Development Program in the area by applying the following Program components:

Exploratory: LLVA’s educational philosophy is that students learn best by doing. Exploration without defined goals is paramount to acquiring new information and reinforcing existing knowledge.

Project: Projects will be student driven, based on their interests. There are no definitive parameters related to the development of a project. As students progress through a particular project, individual abilities and knowledge will be discovered and highlighted throughout the process. Educators will provide technical assistance and feedback on projects, only intervening when warranted. This allows students to work with minimal direct instruction.

Thematic: LLVA will utilize multiple themes to include general topics such as transportation, weather, seasons and community helpers. There will be themes that are unpredicted, developing from exploration and projects. This approach creates scaffolding of knowledge and provides a well a rounded introduction to and allow for additional investigation.

Science and Nature based curriculum

LLVA believes that science and nature play a critical roll in early childhood development. We will incorporate the natural world into all facets of our program. By targeting science and nature, a basis for better understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of their environment will be developed.

Academics: Academics

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

CSEFEL

Through out my career and at home with my own children, I have utilized the CSEFEL framework to best serve programatic needs and address behavioral concerns. The Center for Social Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (CSEFEL) was developed by the University of Vanderbilt. It was created to address the Social and Emotional needs of ECE students 0-5 years old. Multiple states and the Head Start Program have incorporated CSEFEL into ECE programs.

Incorporating Social / Emotional instruction provides a framework for students to understand how to interact with one another and be able to understand their emotions and how to control them.

The Pyramid Approach is an outstanding tool when utilized correctly to recognize potential reasons for unwanted behaviors and steps to correct them.This systematic approach allows teachers and parents to rule out possible triggers, honing in on a variable that can make positive change in behavior. Small changes can make a dramatic difference in a childs behavior in either direction, positive or negative. I encourage you to check out their website for more information.

Academics: Student Life