Early Childhood Education
About the Early Childhood Program
The early childhood program at Wheeling Country Day School focuses on the child within the learner. Our Reggio-inspired childhood program is an engaging centers-based curriculum that matches the way children develop and learn, meeting their personal learning needs in a hands-on and nurturing environment.
Children need time for fantasy and spontaneous play. Therefore, the classrooms invite pretending and storytelling, which provide the most fertile ground for language growth, both contextual and semantic.
In addition, the campus layout allows children to be active and to follow their natural sense of wonder. They play and learn in nature with found objects that inspire creativity.
Far from curriculum in a box, the program allows the teachers to take their cues from their students, and then actively guide and encourage their curiosity, intellectual strengths, and above-average skills.
In the early childhood program, there is a strong emphasis on character development, with a focus on cultivating values such as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The teachers seamlessly weave this character development instruction into the daily curriculum, enabling young learners to understand the importance of positive behaviors and ethical conduct. Through these lessons, the children begin to develop empathy, compassion, and integrity, forming a solid foundation for their social and emotional growth.
Art remains an integral part of the early childhood curriculum, encouraging creativity and self-expression. The young learners are provided with art materials and the freedom to create artwork inspired by music, literature, and their own imaginations. Activities include learning about color mixing, exploring different art techniques, and participating in collaborative art projects. Through these creative endeavors, children develop their artistic skills while also fostering a sense of cooperation and belonging within the class.
Outdoor play and physical activities are fundamental components of the early childhood program. The curriculum provides ample opportunities for children to engage in gross motor activities, play games, and explore nature. Understanding the importance of exercise, fresh air, and motor skill development, the school encourages the young learners to be active and enjoy the outdoors, fostering a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
