how we teach
Curriculum Philosophy
Research has dearly demonstrated that the first five years of childhood are critical to children's long-term educational development. We also know that children who have supportive experiences and interactions in their early years will be more successful in school, careers, and relationships throughout their lives.
Lil' Hawk's education philosophy is based on extensive research on the brain, child development, and early childhood experiences. Children's development is holistic in the sense that all learning takes place simultaneously. At Lil' Hawks the whole child is taken into consideration (learning styles, development stages, multiple intelligences, social-emotional needs, etc.). The ability of transferring knowledge gained in one area into other needs in life is a key element in successful learning. We recognize that, for children, the ideal environment for learning is the most natural: PLAY!
The curriculum at Lil' Hawks is play and thematic based so that children learn in a natural environment; and integrates play in a multi-sensory style of teaching using channels of art, drama, and music. By combining these learning channels, students learn to better themselves and achieve higher self-efficacy.
Curriculum is developed based on the research of several early childhood disciplines. These include, but are not limited to: Creative Curriculum, Montessori, The Model Approach, Theme- based Model, Multi-intelligences. Our curriculum is designed to provide children from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds with unique interactions, opportunities, and experiences that will help them reach their full potential in six developmental domains.
Physical
Gross motor skills (running, jumping, climbing, etc.), fine motor skills (manipulating beads, holding a crayon, etc.) and sensory motor (touch, feel, body awareness, etc.)
Language
Speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Emotional
Self-esteem; nurture, support, and guidance
Cognitive
Mathematical (blocks & patterns), science (cooking, critical thinking, scientific method, outdoor experience, etc.)
Creative
Art, music, and dramatic play
Social
Inclusion, multicultural experiences, health, and safety
Teachers have classrooms that are set up based on the criteria established for the highest possible score on Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R). An ongoing set of assessments helps teachers and staff to reevaluate the program. Our Parental involvement is important at Lil' Hawks, and highly encouraged, since it takes both family and school to help the child reach his/her full potential.
A Note from Melissa Wells, Owner/Director
"As director, I will do my best to provide you with staff that is educated in early childhood practices and who will nurture your children; as well as encourage them to be creative, kind, and inquisitive. Childhood should be a wonderful time full of exploration, warmth, creating memories, discovery, and fun, The environment we provide will encourage social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth to optimize your child's learning potential, I strongly believe that young children learn through play and will ensure that the staff provides plenty of opportunities for your child to explore, play, and gain constructive knowledge."