Early Childhood Creative Curriculum

At the YMCA we use a proven approach to learning called Creative Curriculum. This approach informs the nurturing, learning and educational environment that our participating children experience. Our curriculum is an early childhood development approach rooted in educational philosophy, theory and practice. We focus on how children develop and learn, based on their individual interests, the learning environment and the role of a teacher.

The framework for this approach takes advantage of a child's natural curiosity to explore the world around them and is composed of eight core areas. Children thrive in the rich learning environment in our YMCA Child Development Centers.

At YMCA Child Development Centers we provide children with a nurturing atmosphere and proven curriculum that celebrates individuality, promotes self-esteem and encourages positive social interactions. We work with families to make each center a supportive and challenging place for children to grow and develop. At the YMCA we believe in patience, a passion for learning and genuine care for one another.

Our Curriculum

Literacy

Literacy includes increased vocabulary, phonological awareness, knowledge of letters, numbers and words, comprehension, understanding of books and literacy as a sense of enjoyment.

Mathematics

Children are given opportunities during the day to build their mathematical skills. These skills include number concepts, patterns, measurements and data collection.

Science

Young children love science and learning about the world around them. Our program includes physical, life and earth science components.

Social Studies

Our social studies program focuses on how people relate to geography, how they live, the environment around them and past events.

Arts

Art is designing, creating and exploring. We include dance, music, theater and visual arts such as painting and clay.

Technology

You'll find children in our early childhood program using a variety of digital tools, both for play and for real.

Healthy Habits

It is critical to help young children develop lifelong Healthy Lifestyles. We model good eating habits and offer a variety of physical activities.

Social, Moral and Spiritual Development

Our staff celebrates and encourages the values of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service

Stages of Development

Infants

Infants have the opportunity to explore their world with their hands, mouth, ears and eyes. They listen to soft music, grab and shake hand toys, look at bright picture books and respond to others They move arms and legs, and work towards crawling and walking. Individual meal and naptime are also acknowledged.

Wobblers and Toddlers

For children age 12 months to 2 ½ years, we offer daily opportunities for large motor skill development through crawling, walking, jumping and group activities. In addition, this age group solves puzzles, builds with blocks, scribbles on paper, initiates make-believe play and uses verbal phrases.

Preschoolers

Children ages 2 ½ to 5 years are encouraged to make self directed choices from a number of interest centers where they will draw, cut and glue, run, hop, throw, catch, climb, build with blocks, tell stories, sing, dance, act, learn letters, count, play with others and more.