CURRICULUM
“Not only has our daughter learned to treat her peers and teachers respectfully, but she also has a sense of self-importance. That is essential.”
“I’m 100% confident in the care my two boys receive at Open Door.”
Summary
Open Door’s curriculum draws from several approaches, including the Creative Curriculum, Reggio-Emilia, Emergent Curriculum, Nature-Based Learning, and others, all rooted in the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation is the gold standard in the field of early childhood education. Accreditation is a multi-year process that evaluates curriculum, policies and procedures, safety, community involvement, finances, and most importantly, the teacher/child relationship. In Austin, fewer than 12% of programs are NAEYC accredited. Open Door’s commitment to NAEYC standards and our four-star Texas Rising Star Program certification result in high-quality early childhood education.
Our curriculum addresses physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Learning is an interactive process, and we promote a child-led, play-based environment with activities and materials that are concrete, real, and relevant to the lives of young children. Our teachers consider each child’s developmental stage when interacting and developing learning experiences.
“They give the kids structure while allowing freedom to explore their creativity.”
“My boys have blossomed in their short time at Open Door. Their vocabulary has exploded, they are so much more outgoing and social now. They are learning so much every day.”
Emergent Curriculum
In our child-led approach, lessons are based on topics that the teacher may determine, but the teacher then follows the children’s interests.
Learning approaches are designed to meet needs based on group/individual temperaments and learning styles.
Topics take into account children’s family and cultural backgrounds.
Lessons are based on observation of children’s abilities and interests.
Classroom Activities
Classrooms are playful spaces with opportunities for art, science, writing, counting and numeracy, and imaginative play.
Children have lots of time for exploration outdoors.
Children work in a community with others and have time for quiet and reflection.
Open Door Preschool students explore the broader community with developmentally appropriate field trips.
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