Preschool & Early Childhood Curriculum
Exploration and Discovery
Beginnings Learning Center provides students with ample opportunities to investigate their environment and make discoveries. Teacher-led activities encourage children to make predictions, gather information, and solve problems as a team. Collaboration and communication, paired with encouragement from educators, help create lifelong learners ready to take on the world.
Literacy and Phonics
Guided by the Children’s Literacy Initiative, Beginnings students are immersed in text that supports their educational journey. Children read books from Beginnings’ extensive library daily, participating in conversations that build connections and deepen understanding. As students move through the program, preschoolers are introduced to basic phonics, creating a strong foundation for early reading and advanced comprehension skills.
Introduction to STEM
At Beginnings, environmental observations paired with teacher-guided experimentation lead to an early introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These early preschool STEM experiences reinforce scientific thinking, allowing students to explore subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and meteorology at their own pace.
Children explore fundamentals within the classroom, strengthening arithmetic skills, developing problem-solving abilities, and refining the critical-thinking skills they need to navigate a changing world.
Art, Music, and Movement
Beginnings offers a cutting-edge preschool art curriculum, providing a hands-on approach to creativity and self-expression. Through process art, access to professional-grade materials, frequent artist studies, and collaborative work, students develop confidence as well as their own sense of vision and style.
Led by local industry professionals, children are able to explore fine art, music, and movement with a distinct connection to their Philadelphia community.
Outdoor Adventure
Daily outdoor learning and activities sharpen motor skills, promote physical activity, and immerse students in nature. By observing flora and fauna, children are introduced to environmentalism and conservation, learning to care for their community and the world around them.
Nursery school students have access to a private backyard, providing a controlled space for exploration and discovery, while preschool students travel to nearby parks, promoting independence and teaching safety to young city-dwellers.
Social & Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning is woven into each classroom, with lessons that prioritize self-awareness and coping skills. Teachers work with students on their overarching goals, encouraging cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation.
Complex dramatic play allows students to build social skills and practice real-life scenarios, modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing academic concepts. Teachers have extensive experience in behavioral health, partnering with student support systems to ensure classroom success and celebrate student triumphs.
Ready for Whatever Comes Next
Beginnings teachers ensure that every child leaves the program ready to transition to their next adventure. Over the course of the school year, progress is documented by teaching staff, giving families insight into academic achievement and development.
Teachers are equipped to share resources with caregivers to help their students reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom. With a sense of independence, a strong foundation of knowledge, and advanced interpersonal skills, students are prepared to move to kindergarten confident in themselves and their abilities.