Curriculum Components
The Renaissance Childcare Center incorporates a number of program components that contribute to quality learning experiences. The first is the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation’s cognitively oriented curriculum. Based on 40 years of cognitive development research, it focuses on “active participatory learning” – direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas initiated by the child. Key experiences and tasks are used for observing, planning, and adding material to the curriculum.
A second influence on RCC classrooms is ECE CARES, a teacher training program which focuses on providing an emotionally and physically safe learning environment. Created by Dr. Suzanne Adams from the University of Colorado at Denver, the in-depth training prepares staff to work more effectively with young children with behavioral challenges and with children and families who have experienced trauma, stress, and/or violence.
Lastly, curriculum from Relationships Roots, Inc. is incorporated at the Center to help children with problem solving and conflict resolution. Children are encouraged to identify feelings, express emotions appropriately, and manage behaviors related to feelings. Relationship Roots was developed and tested by therapists and teachers in a therapeutic preschool setting and is designed for children in preschool through first grade.