Curriculum

    New Horizons introduced a new curriculum in the fall of 2001.  This curriculum is based upon developmentally appropriate practices and following a unit approach.  The units were predetermined and developed by a team of early childhood professionals and are unique to New Horizons Child Development Centers.

    All age groups follow a lesson plan with an emphasis ranging from brain development in our infant/toddler areas to social skills and school readiness in our preschool groups.  There is a special emphasis in our prekindergarten programs on readiness skills and on preparing children for success in school.  Select one of the above topics for more information.

Language Arts

    Communication is the basis of our society.  Through our Language Arts curriculum, children are able to sharpen those skills.  The children will:

• Develop the listening skills required to function in a structured environment.
• Be encouraged to use language to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas to others in appropriate form, sequence, and volume.
• Learn in a print rich environment that will promote an awareness of written letters and words.
• Engage in thematic learning units that will provide them with a framework in which they can link new concepts with prior knowledge.
• Be exposed to the alphabet through direct teaching activities and integrated learning opportunities.

Top

Mathematics

    Mathematics are part of our everyday lives.  The Mathematics curriculum teaches children foundational parameters to build success on.  The children will:

• Recognize and name basic geometric shapes.
• Display a basic understanding of numbers through activities involving counting, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence.
• Understand the use of vocabulary appropriate to describe mathematical relationships in size and space.
• Participate in activities that promote the development of mathematical awareness such as measurement, graphing, and patterning.

Top

Motor Skills

    The Motor Skills curriculum engages children to enhance their motor skills in various ways.  The children will:

• Be actively engaged in activities that promote the development of large and small muscles.
• Have opportunities for movement both inside and outside the classroom.
• Be encouraged to develop specific movements through planned teacher directed activities involving music, special equipment, and games.
• Practice fine motor movements by participating in a variety of activities that enhance the development of the pincer finger grasp.
• Be provided the materials necessary to develop their fine motor skills in an area that interests them such as art or woodworking.

Top

Social Skills

    In today's active world people are interacting with a vast number of other people on a daily basis.  The New Horizons Social Skills curriculum builds a foundation for the children to build on their future.  The children will:

• Learn to be a responsible, contributing member of the school community.
• Understand and practice the guidelines set up in a structured environment.
• Develop the skills necessary to take care of their own needs.
• Feel secure in the school environment.
• Have opportunities to foster self-expression through art, music, and dramatic play.

Top

Science/Discovery

    Science influences our world everyday.  Therefore, it is important that children know its methodology and processes.  Through our Science/Discovery curriculum children are challenged to explore the facets of science.  The children will:

• Observe and describe changes in the natural world.
• Explore and manipulate scientific equipment while participating in scientific discovery.
• Develop the use of their senses for gathering and processing information.
• Explore, investigate, and classify objects according to their physical properties.
• Demonstrate an awareness of life cycles.

Top

[Home] | [Site Map] | [Disclaimer]