The “early” in Early Childhood Education is generally defined as the period of time between when a child is born and when he or she first enters kindergarten, which is normally between the ages of 4 and 6.
During this time period, young minds are like sponges, soaking up as much knowledge as they can while also learning how to walk, talk, interact with others, and learn about “right” from “wrong.” For example, they may not understand why water boiling in a pan on the stove is dangerous, but when properly “instructed” and directed, they can learn that they should not touch it. Similarly, they can learn positive behaviors through a logical rewards and consequences that get them to understand what is expected of them as they make their way through life and take on greater responsibilities in the process.
Early Childhood Education is more than just teaching basic educational skills. It’s also a time to gain critical emotional and social aptitudes. This is why the staff, administration, and teachers of Strelitz International Academy so firmly believe in inquiry-based education—as opposed to the standardized curriculums used in public school. It’s why we chose to meet the rigorous demands of becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB®) candidate school, offering their Primary Years Programme (PYP) to students between the ages of 3 and 12 (kindergarten through 5th grade).
The IB® is an international educational foundation founded in 1968 with a mission to create a better world through education. The PYP seeks to nurture a child’s natural curiosity so they can take control of their learning. With teachers acting as collaborators to education, the environment created helps students excel in their studies as well as their personal growth, addressing the overall needs of the child as a whole.
The base for the IB’s educational programs is built on the Five Approaches to Learning, which include:
– Thinking skills
– Communications skills
– Social Skills
– Self-Management skills
– Research Skills
We understand that every child learns differently. We believe that by being an IB® program elementary school with small classroom sizes, teachers have a better opportunity to interact with each of the students and can provide additional assistance if they hit any roadblocks along the way.
Through inquiry-based learning, those students can build a better understanding of why things are the way they are, and what their responsibilities are and will be as humans–at home or school, in their communities, and as citizens of the world. This forms a lifelong love of learning that helps our students excel as they travel down their chosen paths.
It also helps children form lifelong relationships with other students that will serve them well as they move forward with their education and then into the real world. This can be instrumental in helping them get good jobs, starting businesses together, collaborating on projects, or just moral support from a trusted peer.
We invite you to come join us, learn more about our curriculum and our dedication to helping children learn so we can get their journey started.
