Our Curriculum
Our curriculum focuses on the social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language development.
It provides the basis for both teacher-led and child-initiated activities that enhance the learning environment for children. Both individual (i.e., painting, imaginative play, practicing letter and number) and group activities (circle time, singing, dancing, etc.) are used through out the day.
Center based activities are a primary focus; they are specific to a development yet allow the children to choose an activity that they are interested in.
Our curriculum also offers teachers the guidance, support and freedom to be creative and responsive to children. Because children learn from their daily interactions with the environment, a carefully organized and rich environment. By focusing on the development progress of each child, we offer an ideal setting for all children.
Being creative means thinking of new ideas, obtaining information by asking questions, learning through trial and error, and benefiting from mistakes. It encourages children to try out ideas and risk making mistakes. We provide a blueprint for developing and educational setting in which young children can thrive.
Infants
Ages 6 Weeks to 1 Year
In our infant class, we focus on both physical and mental growth of the child. Sitting, crawling, balancing, standing, walking, and climbing as well as beginner word association, beginning sign language, healthy eating, and showing kindness through sharing.
Toddler
Ages 1 - 2 Years Old
During their time in this class, they learn so many words! They also continue learning sign language, begin to learn Spanish, and how to put multiple words together. In addition, they learn about manners, weather, science, animals and more!
Early Learning
2's & 3's
Ages 2 - 3 Years Old
In our early learning classes, the children begin to put it all together. How things work, how to follow schedules, and how to better follow classroom instructions such has lining up and using stations. They begin to delve further into health and wellness, spelling, and science experiments!
Pre-Kindergarden
Ages 3 - 4 Years Old
In this class they set goals to learn how to write all of the letters of the alphabet, count to 100 or above, spell and write their name, begin to read using sight words, learn early math, and spend time on personal hygiene and so much more.
Transitional Kindergarten & School Age
Program
Ages 4 - 12 Years Old
Our transitional kindergarten class prepares our students for the pace of kindergarten. With a shortened rest time and a structured schedule this allows our students to adjust their pace giving them the opportunity to be fully prepared for their K-12 education.
DLC also offers Before and After School Care, as well as Full-Time Summer/School Break care for those attending the Columbia Public Schools of Derby Ridge, Alpha Heart, Alpha Hart Preschool, Blue Ridge, Battle Elementary (after school only), Shepard, Center of Early Learning North, Parkade, and New Haven 9after school only). Our van service will drop children off for school and pick them up after school. Parents are able to utilize both of these services, or customize their needs or only Before School Care or only After School Care. All of the children in our school age program also have the opportunity to attend our center Full-Time during holiday breaks and throughout the summer.
Faith Based
All Ages
In all of our classrooms, we teach a Christian foundation. This includes parables and bible stories, the use of prayer, the meaning of praise and worship, the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag, the Christian Flag and the Bible, and principles of kindness and love through the fruits of the spirit.
We believe God is the solid foundation in all that we do!