Curriculum

La Escuelita provides services for infants through pre-kindergarten. We have a bicultural bilingual curriculum that fosters the development of English and Spanish using a dual language model. Learning content takes place during the day in either English or Spanish depending on the language plan in each classroom for that day. We assist children to identify their cultural strengths, and explore the many contributions of our diverse community.

We focus on all of the learning domains: cognitive, social emotional, language, creative and physical development in our early childhood curriculum. Our goal is to develop competent bilingual bicultural students who will be successful in the academic environment. The cultural arts play a dominant role in our curriculum. We strive to incorporate within the curriculum the many voices and art forms of our diverse community. We incorporate many guests and artists from the community in the development of our curriculum activities. We also encourage participation in community events as part of the learning experience.

Here at La Escuelita we believe that the family is the first and most significant teacher of your child. We want to encourage a strong collaboration between what is taught at home and what we teach at school. Validation of home culture and language are a very important part of our curriculum development process. The traditions and interactions that go on at home also have a big impact on the way in which we will manage your child’s behavior and address his / her learning style. We will strive to work towards the same goals with the same understanding in order to ensure each child’s emotional well being and academic success.

There are various ways in which families are involved in the La Escuelita community and contribute to our curriculum. There will be scheduled individual parent orientations, curriculum nights, and parent-teacher conferences in order to ensure that we are on the accord as to the care of your child. We encourage all parents to attend our monthly parent meetings; these meetings will cover different topics (behavior management, literacy at home, social services, etc.). Childcare and dinner are usually provided at these events.

Throughout the year we will ask you to bring in music, fabric, and other items that represent your home culture to incorporate into our classroom. Families are welcome to volunteer at any time in the following ways:

• As a class representative for the Parent’s Advisory Group
• Cultural exchanges
• Help with special events at the school
• Help with special projects
• Share talents and skills as they relate to the curriculum or the needs of the student body

Communal values are very important to the La Escuelita family. We incorporate members of our immediate family and community of musicians and artists. We have developed many partnerships with community organizations and collaborate with them on special projects and focused studies in the curriculum.

Behavior Management

The goal of behavior management is to assist children to develop self-control and acceptable behavior in a manner that does not undermine their self-esteem. Our behavior management method enhances learning and teaches new skills. We provide a positive atmosphere by using a pleasant voice, modeling or informing the child as to the appropriate behavior that is expected.

La Escuelita prohibits the use of punitive discipline at our schools. Any form of corporal punishment, spanking, verbal mistreatment or unnecessary or harsh punishment is prohibited. Children are given an option to remove themselves if they are not able to engage in negotiating solutions to inappropriate behavior. This will last no more than one or two minutes. As soon as the child is ready, he/she can return to the group. Staff will help the child integrate into the group in a positive manner. If issues of concern emerge the staff and parents will meet and a behavior management plan will be developed in order to help the child deal with any behavior issues.