Inspiration

In my presentation, I will be discussing 3 different programs that all develop and support a young child’s learning through using culturally relevant practices, appropriate and enriching learning experiences, opportunities to develop 21st century skills, and opportunities to help children discover their creativity. The 3 programs that I will be discussing all have different approaches but all share the same philosophy that children learn best by doing.

Montessori Hills Academy

Montessori Hills Academy is a school located in Chula Vista, Ca. that serves children ages 2 through Kindergarten. It is a private preschool and Kindergarten that offers a curriculum program using Montessori Methods and also offers a program that is taught in English/Spanish. The general demographics of the school serves mostly middle class & military families within the area (suburbs), as well as children of the teachers there. (B, C, F contents).

Montessori Hills Academy

Here is a link about the school.

Montessori Vs. Conventional

Here is a video that explains the differences between the Montessori approach and a conventional schools approach. (D).

Montessori Approach

Montessori Hills

Montessori is unique because it offers children opportunities to develop autonomy through self-directed activities while teachers stand by as a guide. All materials on shelves are available for children to use throughout the day at their own time and pace. Compared to the traditional areas of curriculum Montessori curriculum areas focus mostly hands on activities using the child's senses. Theses areas include practical life, sensorial, language, Mathematics, & geography/cultural studies. (E).

Montessori Hills

21st Century Skills- autonomy, child-directed materials & environment, problem solving, critical thinking, and individual & group learning experiences. (G).

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy- This school demonstrates culturally relevant pedagogy by creating an environment for children where they can develop autonomy, gain knowledge through their abilities, learn to respect all living things as well as their peers, develop the “whole child” through hands-on learning experiences that meet the individual needs of each child. This school seems to have well developed relationships with their children families and with the community. You can tell that this programs philosophy encourages teachers to look at each child's individuality and backgrounds because, “responding to the total child requires teachers to be sensitive to the influence of diversity on a child’s academic, social, emotional, and psychological development,”(Wardle, 2013). (h).

Montessori Hills & Creativity

Montessori Hills academy sets up their environments and curriculum using Montessori methods. One of the main components to their program is to encourage creativity. Children are given the freedom to choose what they want to work with within the classroom. Materials give children to the opportunity to explore, problem solve, and learn how to use them at their own pace. There is no wrong way to learn in this environment as long as the child is understanding the key concepts ad its at their own pace and learning style. Specific areas of the arts, drama, literature, and cultures are all incorporated into the daily routines in the classroom to also encourage creativity. Teachers encourage creativity in their teaching by supporting and guiding their children's learning through scaffolding on their knowledge. (I,J).

Neighborhood House Association-

Head Start Programs

Head Start program is part of Neighborhood House association that offers free services and education opportunities to children ages 0-5 years of families that qualify as low-income under the government poverty guidelines. It offers educational programs all around the county of San Diego and you must qualify to be enrolled in the program. The program serves people form many different family styles and background and has shown to be culturally sensitive and sensitive to children's individual needs. (B, C, F).

Head Start Program

Head Start

Head Start is such a unique program because it gives children the opportunities to be successful in life and in their education. Head Start not only educates the child but educates the family about the importance of family/classroom collaboration for the development of their whole. Part of Head Starts program is that they are required to have so much percentage of children with disabilities. Children with disabilities are given the same opportunities to develop in inclusive environments. Here is a link about a Head Start program here in San Diego and it gives you a little more insight on why Head Start is such a exceptional program and what it does for children and families. (D,E).

MAAC Head Start-San Diego

Head Start

21st Century Skills- The 21st century skills that Head Start programs offer their children are creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, & innovation. (G).

Culturally relevant Pedagogy- Head Start’s experiences promote cultural relevance by treating ALL children with equity based on their individual needs and differences. Head Start is known for having numerous community partners that offer services to children and families. Some of these programs provide assistance as early intervention opportunities, and for the overall wellness of the families. “Head Start focus is on working with the entire family, not just the child,”(Wardle, 2013). Head Start also has a strong focus on the success of English Language Learners and has found ways to support children and families to the best of there abilities by speaking their language and learning about their cultures and backgrounds to make sure children are successful and confident. Family engagement and community connections are part of what keep Head Start going. Teachers, agency administrators, and parents work together as a team to plan and organize community and school functions yearly. (H).

Head Start and Creativity

Head Start program promote creativity by allowing children to be creative explorers in their environment. The environment is set up into learning areas with developmentally appropriate toys & materials. Math, Science, Art, Drama, and Music areas give children opportunities to express themselves through individual and group experiences. Head Start follow Creative Curriculum and their main goals are to encourage children to be confident learners while trying out their ideas, solving problems, and discovering trial & error. Teachers are encourages to observe and assess children's development and encourage children to think freely while interacting with the world around them through planned and emergent activities. (I, J).

Creativity & Innovation

This a picture of some projects that a Head Start center participated in San Diego, Ca. where they were encouraged to use 21st century skills & creativity.

Bright Horizons-Kids on Broadway

Kids On Broadway is a school that serves children ages infant to Kindergarten prep. Kids on Broadway is a private school that is located in downtown San Diego and mostly serves families from Middle/upper class that possess a government occupation. Most of the families come from a military background and most of the parents work in near by government buildings in the downtown area. Families and children come from many diverse cultural backgrounds and family lifestyles. (B, C, F).

Bright Horizons

Kids on Broadway

Kids on Broadways as part of the Bright Horizons Family Solutions is unique because it has its own curriculum that it follows. The curriculum is called “The World at Your Fingertips.” This curriculum gives the programs and school an innovative approach to learning. Some areas include science, the arts, math, literacy, health, and cultures. This school supports the learning and development of young children buy putting a huge emphasis on cultural heritage of their families and helping children discover their world around them by developing a great sense of self and confidence. Kids on Broadways program approaches teaching and learning to create a capacity for children to be life long learners. (E).

Kids On Broadway

21st Century Skills-kids on Broadways encourages 21st century skills such as using technology tools for learning, experimenting, observations, problem solving, critical thinking, creative expression, and collaboration. (G).

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy- Kids on Broadways experiences promote cultural relevance by establishing relationships with families and children's of diverse backgrounds and incorporating them into the curriculum and school community. According to Wardle, “teachers use their students and families home and community cultures as learning tools for education and curricular content,”(Wardle, 2013). One of the components of Kids on Broadways curriculum is called, “Our World.” Here they are teaching and encouraging children to develop respect for cultural heritage, diverse people, and respect the changing environment. They also look at the individual needs and interest of the children to create curriculum and learning experiences to help build individual strengths and talents. (H).

Kids On Broadway and Creativity

Kids On Broadway promotes creativity by Setting up an environment to encourageChildren to discover, explore, and create Their own ideas and discoveries. They alsoPromote creativity by allowing children toWork together and learn from one another.(I,J).

References

Wardle, F. (2013). Human Relationships & Learning In the Multicultural Environment:Bridegpoint Education.

(2010-2012). Montessori Hills Academy. About Us. Retrieved from http://www.montessorihillsacademy.com/about/

(2011, March 4). Montessori Vs. Conventional Pre-school. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtDfZMNrmhk&feature=youtu.be

Neighborhood House Association. Head Start. Retrieved from http://www.neighborhoodhouse.org/nha-programs/head-start/#sthash.TrRw9i3e.DGzdh0Lx.dpbs

(2013, January 24). MAAC Head Start: Promoting Health & Wellness. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz1i_AVTWHQ

(2013, March 15). Preschool at Bright Horizons. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHr6uJWBHyw