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Early Childhood Program

Resource

Group of EC children

The Early Childhood Program is for children aged 3 to 6 years (Preschool to Kindergarten - International and Bilingual Pathways).

Play is at the heart of our Early Childhood approach, allowing children to discover the world around them and supporting the development of the whole child. Through play, children develop an essential set of skills and dispositions, including language acquisition and self-regulation. Children are inspired by their own ideas and innovations and are nourished as creative thinkers. They begin to develop as readers, writers and mathematicians, and a sense of wonder is fostered as they grow socially, emotionally and academically. Play sparks joy, imagination and curiosity; allowing children at their varying stages of readiness to connect ideas and learn.

ZIS Kindergarten child with teacher pointing at the whiteboard
Early Childhood children in the forest during a nature lesson

Children are unique

Children come with their own story. They learn in different ways and at their own pace. Individual backgrounds and experiences are embraced.

Children are curious

Children make sense of the world around them by engaging with open-ended materials and environments and exploring their own theories.

Children are social

Children are co-constructors of knowledge and skills, learning with and from one another.

Children are capable

Children are self-managers, inquirers, and problem solvers. They make choices about what and how they learn.

Values and Practices

Play is at the heart of our Early Childhood approach, allowing children to discover the world around them and supporting the development of the whole child.

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Early Childhood students working with teacher outside

Environment and Materials

Spaces and materials that stir imagination and thinking

Organization that allows choice, freedom and ownership

Learning outside of the classroom walls; in the forest, the garden and within the community

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EC child gazes up in wonder

Individual Learning Journeys

Adults guide learning by interacting, observing and listening as children play

Children are supported to grow as learners based on developmental readiness

Thinking and learning processes are visible in learning spaces.

  

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Teacher with student

Time and Space

Uninterrupted play time and space for children to leave unfinished work to be continued

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Shadows of two children in the shadow theater playing musical instrumenets

Creativity and Imagination

Adults join in with children as they wonder and play

Unhurried time to explore child interests and wonderings; respecting the process

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Teacher and student with hands up in the air

Relationships

A nurturing environment that supports risk-taking

Caring, strong relationships between adults and children

Supportive, respectful partnerships between school and home