Parents in Sippy Downs often find finding a preschool for their little ones challenging. The endless list of things to consider ranging from availability, location, class size, curriculum, budget, word-of-mouth, schedule, and more are daunting.
Yet, narrowing the search for the right early learning centre, Sippy Downs is to find out its specific approach and philosophy.
Knowing the various types of early learning centres’ philosophy is the right way to get the one best suited for the needs of the child. The most common types of early learning centres include:
HighScope Method
Active learning is the focus of the HighScope method. The idea is that natural interactions and play children have with other people, the environment, and events are the best way for them to gain knowledge. The priority with the HighScope method is focused on developmental indicators such as consistent daily activities, continuing assessment, and open communication lines between teachers and students.
Eight areas of primary content are included in the HighScope curriculum. This includes communication, emotional and social development, science and technology, creative arts, literacy, mathematics, and language.
Montessori Method
During the early 1900s, Dr. Maria Montessori developed an early childhood education approach that proved effective then and still is today. The Montessori approach is to encourage children to learn new things at their convenient time.
Independent exploration is encouraged with the specific setup of the classroom where teachers play the role of “guides”. Specific learning materials are also part of the learning method. This includes the famous pink tower that encourages hands-on learning activities to help children develop skills and concepts.
The multi-age classroom setting is another iconic Montessori approach. It is because the Montessori approach believes that the best way to encourage older leaders to assume leadership roles is by having them learn and work alongside younger kids.
Waldorf Method
In 1919, Rudolf Steiner put forth education ideas that eventually became the Waldorf method. The priority of this type of early childhood education is to practice constant daily and weekly schedules with specific activities set for specific times and days.
The philosophy of the Waldorf method is that providing a predictable and rhythmical environment is the best learning setting for children. To this end, creativity and play are emphasized over strict academics.
Cooperative
Parents who want to play an active part in the education of their children will find cooperative preschools as the ideal choice. A single philosophy may or may not be followed by this type of school; the responsibility and say of the running of the school is with the parents. Finances, upkeep, and food are things that parents in cooperative schools handle. Parents also have a say in developing the curriculum and often assume the role of teacher’s aides.
Reggio Emilia
The curriculum of learning of Reggio Emilia programs is geared towards the ideas and interests of the students. Guiding the children through the process of learning is the role the teachers play in this type of early childhood education program. While the curriculum works similarly to the Montessori Method, the difference is the strong focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and self-expression.
The choice of an early learning centre eventually boils down to what works best for the child. Contact us at Early Learning Centre in Sippy Downs to learn more about our childhood education program.