Early Childhood Overview

At NIA, teachers provide a stimulating, engaging, and experiential environment that allows preschool children to learn and progress at their own pace. The school implements a research-based curriculum that is aligned with state early learning developmental standards and weaves 35 skills into playful games and discovery projects. The cross-disciplinary model supports a child’s ongoing social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.

In addition, the curriculum incorporates a unique model that is based on child experience, teacher support, safe environment, and family engagement. This model is guided by these principles:

• Child: Every child is naturally curious, creative, full of potential, and valued.
• Teacher: The teacher is an observer, supporter, and guide that helps children develop the ever-expanding web of knowledge.
• Environment: Children construct knowledge by exploring their environment, and they learn best through play and hands-on experiences.
• Family: Families are central to the child’s development as they provide support in four main areas: social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive.