SDSU Laboratory Preschool       SDSU Kindergarten Laboratory       SDSU OST Program

Philosophy & Curriculum Approach

We believe that all children are capable of learning.  All children have the ability to explore and make sense of their work.  It is our job, as teachers, to support their exploration through the developing the environment and presenting materials to explore their own questions and interests.  At the SDSU Laboratory Preschool, children have many opportunities to develop observation, questioning, and listening skills. They also have many opportunities for expressing themselves.  The main objective of the early childhood program is to provide a developmentally appropriate and positive atmosphere/environment which encourages children to develop cognitively (intellectually), creatively, physically, socially, and emotionally. 

The curriculum is developed through teacher observation, evaluation of individual children, and careful creative planning.  We trust children to show us what and how to plan and structure their environment.  We invite families to become part of the planning process for their children.  We strive to promote a child's natural curiosity and excitement about learning.  We recognize that each child is uniquely different.  Our approach is to provide children with a rich learning environment to learn at their own pace.  When children learn they have freedom to make choices and decide what to do in a classroom, they will more actively explore, manipulate, and question objects and ideas.  The teacher's role is to be actively engaged with the children-to co-construct experiences, to observe and research their learning, to discuss and develop learning directions with parents, and to provide an environment that challenges the children.

 Curriculum Development

Each week teaching teams prepare a written curriculum with general learning questions and focused activities.  These curriculum plans are generated according to learning observations made, by knowledge of developmental levels of the children in the classroom, and by discussions with the families and the children.

Curriculum activities encourage children to progress in communication skills, intellectual development, social and emotional development, physical development, creative expression, and self-esteem.  Concepts and skills are introduced in concrete experiences which are developmentally appropriate.  While individual classroom schedules vary, children are introduced to art, science, music, dramatic role playing, sensory exploration, books, and group projects.

We believe that children need choices, and should be able to decide what they would like to do, which small group activities to be involved in, as well as being able to play indoors and out. 

Weekly plans including general learning questions and focused activities are shared with parents through parent letters and written plans which are posted on observation booth doors.  An outcomes document has been established for each child with specific skills teachers plan for and hope to see emerge during the child’s school experience.

Classrooms

      Toddler AM

      3 & 4 AM

      4 & 5 AM

      Toddler PM

      Mixed-Age PM

      4 & 5 PM