Overview of High Scope Curriculum
At HILC we use the High Scope curriculum in all of our classrooms. High Scope is grounded in current development theory, research and best practices for young children. The curriculum is evidenced based and uses the children’s own interest as an integral aspect of the day to day learning. We believe you are your child’s first teacher. As such, we will partner/collaborate with you to offer your child what he/she needs to grow, develop and flourish. Active learning is the cornerstone of the High Scope curriculum. Children learn best and gain knowledge by being involved in natural play and interactions with others and their world. We achieve this in all classrooms by providing age appropriate experiences, materials and interactions that interest the children.
Infants and Toddlers (birth to age three)
The learning is focused on 6 content areas: Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Health and Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Cognitive Development and Creative Arts. The content areas are divided in to 42 key developmental indictors (KDIs) which are aligned with national and state early learning guidelines as well as Head Start early Learning Outcomes Framework. Each KDI is connected to and reinforced by scaffolding strategies (learning building upon previous knowledge and/or experiences of the child) The Key Developmental Indicators provide the teachers with a framework of child development and supports them in planning/choosing age appropriate interactions and experiences/activities. Further, it assists the teachers to understand what the child is saying and doing along a developmental continuum. It helps the teacher maintain realistic expectations for individual children as they grow and develop. Lastly, understanding of the KDIs allows teachers to be more intentional and knowledgeable in their daily planning for each child and the class.
Preschool (Three to Five)
The learning is focused on 6 content areas: Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Health and Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Cognitive Development and Creative Arts. The content areas are divided in to 58 key developmental indictors (KDIs) which are aligned with national and state early learning guidelines as well as Head Start early Learning Outcomes Framework. Each KDI is connected to and reinforced by scaffolding strategies (learning building upon previous knowledge and/or experiences of the child) The Key Developmental Indicators provide the teachers with a framework of child development and supports them in planning/choosing age appropriate interactions and experiences/activities. Further, it assists the teachers to understand what the child is saying and doing along a developmental continuum. It helps the teacher maintain realistic expectations for individual children as they grow and develop. Lastly, understanding of the KDIs allows teachers to be more intentional and knowledgeable in their daily planning for each child and the class.
Program Quality Assessment (PQA)
The Program Quality Assessment is a tool used to evaluate the quality of a classroom. It measures quality through direct observation of the Learning Environment, Daily Routine, AdultChild Interactions and Curriculum Planning and Assessment. By using this observation tool, we strengthen teacher child interactions, maintain effective learning environments, foster supportive relationships with families and foster optimal child learning and development. The PQA aids in identifying the strengths of a teacher/teaching team and where there are opportunities for growth. At HILC, we strive to continually to improve our entire program. Using this tool allows us to be strategic about that improvement. We evaluate classrooms twice a year to plan our opportunities for growth and monitor this monthly.
Child Observation Record (COR)
COR Advantage is built on 36 items that best prepare children for school success. This tool starts in our infant classrooms and continues through preschool. Through daily observations, teacher write notes and capture what a child is actually doing. By doing this, teachers are better able to intentionally plan individualized lessons for children. The tool focuses on what child can do rather than a specific age so it allows for a more authentic picture of each child. The system allows the teachers to look at developmental trends, areas that may need more investigation/support and can improve communicate with the family through the family reports and daily messaging. (in conjunction with BrightWheel)
Data Analysis Meetings
These are meetings held throughout the year (at least twice per age group) to look at the scores of classrooms’ PQAs, COR data and make a set of goals for the entire Heartfelt team. Parents, a teacher representative from each center’s specific age group and the leadership meet, review the data. Once the goals have been determined, the teaching teams work to meet these goals.
Early Childhood Specialist (ECS)
The role of the Early Childhood Specialist is to support all teachers (tuition classrooms and the GSRP/state-funded classrooms at each campus), center leadership and families, when necessary. This may include curriculum implementation, resources for the classroom and for families. This individual is a conduit between classrooms and the leadership team ensuring that HILC is providing the highest quality in each classroom. He/she coaches and mentors’ teachers to support them in implementation of the High Scope curriculum, providing support in the form of classroom visits and resources to teaching teams.