THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM AT CDS, COSTA RICA

About Our Early Childhood Curriculum

Our curriculum is developmental and age-appropriate at each level. We build students’ abilities across language arts, reading readiness, mathematics, social studies, and science through thematic units across all academic areas. We consider that young children learn best in an environment that’s rich with sensory experiences, and we emphasize learning in small groups with materials designed to nurture the full range of motor, social, emotional, and academic skills in our students.  


Our Early Childhood curriculum is supplemented by special classes such as:

• Music

• Spanish

• Physical Education

• Library

• Yoga

• Swimming

All these educational activities stimulate creativity, self-expression, fine and gross motor skills, and social interaction. Our rich diversity in the classroom helps all the children become more aware of different cultures, as they see themselves as members of a wider world community. 

A Focus on Educating the Whole Child

In Early Childhood, we understand that children learn through active involvement. We provide a stimulating, hands-on learning environment that follows a developmentally appropriate curriculum with well-planned, engaging activities. These activities encourage children to socialize while developing their inherent natural abilities. Our teachers and staff focus on the whole child and their overall growth and development. 
 

Play Is a Child's Work

The Early Childhood years are when children develop self-esteem, gain acceptance from peers, and are allowed to learn new skills through play, discovery, experimentation, and exploration in a caring and loving environment. We understand that children learn most efficiently and gain more knowledge through play-based activities such as dramatic play, art, hands-on experiences, and social games. 

The Learning Environment

Our environment of our international preschool in Costa Rica is a safe, nurturing place where children are fully supervised and have all the essential materials to learn at hand. Our classrooms are appropriately equipped with size-appropriate furniture, bathrooms, rich learning centers (which include a plethora of manipulatives), a rug to meet on during “circle time,” cozy reading areas, and outdoor playgrounds. 

We give great attention to making materials accessible to the children as they learn how to use and care for them respectfully.