Sally and David Weintal Preschool
Our curriculum is based on current research concerning early childhood education and on developmentally appropriate practice guidelines as established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It is also based on our general philosophy: we honor and respect children for their individual differences and we rejoice in who they are now.
Teachers invest a lot of time observing the children. They observe the child's readiness for new skills and concepts, his or her interest, and the foundation of prior skills on which to build. The teachers consider what the children like and then they create an atmosphere in which they can grow, learn and discover the world around them.
The Weintal Preschool curriculum focuses on the four major areas of development: physical, cognitive (intellectual), social and emotional. The curriculum is enhanced by a theme-based approach that integrates all these areas. It is essential to remember that each child grows in his or her own style and pace. The range of normal development within any given age group can be as much as two years. Our curriculum strives to encourage each child's uniqueness and his or her capacity to be different. There is a natural rhythm to childhood, and children must have the time to wonder, ask questions, sort and classify their world and practice their emerging skills without fear of failure. This must be done in an atmosphere that provides firm and consistent rules of behavior, and kind, respectful and nurturing teachers. In addition to regular classroom activities, a music professional works with each class for approximately twenty minutes per week.
More details about the curriculum and guiding principles are available from the Director.
