Curriculum

We believe that children learn through play, through active exploration of materials and through interactive experiences with other children and caring teachers. Through their experiences, children construct knowledge about the world.

Our curriculum offers children experiences and encourages growth in the four developmental domains: physical (large and fine motor experiences); cognitive (language, literacy, science, math, social studies); creative and aesthetic (art, music, dance, dramatic play); and most important, personal and social interactions.

PIFS follows the Connecticut PreSchool Curriculum Framework in creating and assessing learning experiences for the children. The school believes that all children are competent and capable and that each child is unique in rates of development. In cooperation with families, the school meets each child where he is, and creates experiences that encourage growth.

Program Goals

To provide a safe, nurturing environment that reflects the lives of our children and families, in which children have many opportunities to explore, experiment, and discover according to their interests and needs.
To build a supportive, nurturing partnership with families through on-going, two-way communication, through out the school year.
To provide appropriate assessment of children’s progress and work to support children’s learning and to share with families.
To assure that diversity is reflected in all areas of our curriculum.
To assure that each child has the opportunity to develop socially/emotionally, physically, cognitively and creatively.

Social/Emotional

Each child will have opportunities to:

Develop positive attitudes toward school, teachers, and peers.
Make a successful transition from home to school.
Develop social skills needed to be part of a group.
Accept, respect, and appreciate differences in people, families, and cultures.
Develop a sense of responsibility to oneself and others.

Physical

Each child will have opportunities to:

Develop fine motor skills, and large motor skills
Develop good nutritional practices
Develop positive health and safety skills
Practice basic hygiene

Creative

Each child will have the opportunity to:

Take pleasure in self-expression through art, music, movement, dance, drama, and construction, including those reflecting cultural diversity.
Represent thoughts, experiences, and fantasies in pretend play, and in constructive use of materials, including those reflecting diversity.
Show appreciation for the art of peers and adults.

Cognitive