Our Curriculum

Fun & Creativity

The Creative Curriculum for Early Childhood is the curriculum used throughout our center. This curriculum is endorsed by the Iowa Department of Education. The philosophy behind the curriculum is that young children learn best by doing. Learning isn’t just repeating what someone else says: it requires active thinking and experimenting to find out how things work and to learn first-hand about the world we live in. We’re teaching them how to learn, not just in preschool, but all through their lives.

The flexible lesson structure specifically develops critical early learning skills, oral language, listening comprehension, vocabulary, phonological awareness, print awareness and alphabet knowledge as well as teaches early mathematics skills. Group activities and learning centers complete the program’s comprehensive approach, addressing social and emotional development, motor skills, science, social studies, music, and art.

Curriculum Goals

Children will develop:

a positive self-concept, appropriate self-control, and sense of belonging
curiosity about world, confidence as a learner, creativity and imagination and personal initiative
relationships of mutual trust and respect with adults and peers, understand perspectives of others, and

negotiate and apply rules of group living
respect for social and cultural diversity for community and social roles
appreciation for fine arts, humanities and sciences
knowledge about the care of their bodies and maintain a desirable level of health and fitness
use of language to effectively communicate through reading, writing, listening, and speaking
ideas and feelings through creative play, drama, dance and movement, music, art and construction
critical thinking, reason, and solve problems
understanding of relationships among objects, people and events (i.e. classifying, ordering, numbers)
knowledge of the physical world, manipulate objects for desired effects
competence in management of their bodies using both gross and fine motor skill

Art

Art programs focus on providing children with a space to expand creativity, increase communication skills, and exercise fine motor skills.

Dramatic Play

In our dramatic play areas, children will engage in imaginative and creative play to practice their language and communication skills while working with others, and learn about the world around them.

Listening & Literacy

Listening and literacy are two essential skills that are woven into our curriculum. Teachers create activities that help students to recognize letters and sounds, develop language skills, enhance pre-reading abilities, learn to write, and much more.

Music

Music helps children develop their cognitive and social skills, which is why it is a daily part of our curriculum. Children have the opportunity to explore music through singing, playing instruments, and dancing.

Outside Play

Preschoolers benefit from regular outdoor play as it encourages healthy development, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Spending time outside also helps children understand their environment and build an appreciation for nature.

STEM

A STEM curriculum is important at KWECC because it introduces children to the basic concepts of science, technology, and math in an engaging way, which helps them to develop a strong foundation for future learning.