Early Learning for Your Child
Palma Sola Early Learning Academy
uses an integrated and thematic approach to learning. Children ages two through five are introduced to mind-nurturing experiences and developmentally appropriate practices to form the educational foundation for lifelong learning.
Our integrated approach to learning stresses a combination of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities to educate the ‘whole child’ and develop a strong sense of self.
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
A growing body of research indicates that children who attend high-quality early childhood programs benefit socially, emotionally and cognitively. Research also shows that children enrolled in good preschool programs
tend to have higher verbal and intellectual development, are more likely to have a positive transition into kindergarten, and they are more successful in later school years.
The Reggio Emilia Philosophy
Hailed as an exemplary model of early childhood education, the Reggio Emilia approach to education is committed to the creation of conditions for learning that will enhance and facilitate children’s construction of “his or her own powers of thinking through the synthesis of all the expressive, communicative and cognitive languages."
The Reggio Emilia approach is based upon the following principles:
The Image of the Child - Adults see children as competent, full of potential and active in constructing their own knowledge through interactions with others.
Emergent Curriculum
- An emergent curriculum is one that builds upon interests of children. Topics of study are captured from talk of the children, as well as known interests of children (puddles, dinosaurs, shadow, etc)
Project Work
- Projects, also emergent, are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas and interests, which arise within the group. Considered as an adventure, projects may last one
week or could last up to 5-6 weeks.
Representational Development - The Reggio Emilia approach calls for the integration of the graphic arts as tools for cognitive, linguistic, and social development. Presentation
of concepts and hypotheses in multiple forms of representation-print , art, construction, drama, music, and shadow play-are viewed as essential to children's understanding of experience.
Documentation
- Documentation of children's work in progress is viewed as an important tool in the learning process for children, teachers and parents. Pictures of
children engaged in experiences, their words as they discuss what they are feeling and thinking. Documentation is used as assessment and for advocacy.
Teachers and the Environment
- Teacher's role is to be a learner alongside the children. They also lend their expertise as a resource and guide to the children's learning. The environment is considered the "third teacher". Many resources are brought in to enhance the children's learning.
Palma Sola Academy's mission is to create a dynamic, engaging, and balanced whole child, who is able to explore risk-free and is offered consistent respect. We offer families the assurance of a safe and caring environment and an atmosphere of support and understanding for themselves. The children participate in Horticulture by planting and nurturing our garden throughout the year. Organic snacks are offered twice a day. Children's classrooms are structured with a teacher and an assistant, as well as low child
ratios.
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