Early Childhood: Preschool – Kindergarten Curriculum

Although excited about high school, a recent graduate and Student Council President says it will be difficult to leave Sycamore.

“The whole school has been incredible. My teachers have been a great influence, and my friends are like family. Many of us have been together since we were in First Grade. You end up being very close.”

The early childhood division is made up of the preschool and kindergarten classes. The curriculum provides enriching, stimulating activities and experiences for the young gifted child. Children can play, work, and learn in a supportive atmosphere that sets free a child's curiosity and interests, encouraging exploration and experimentation. The program attempts to produce happy, self-confident children with positive feelings toward themselves, learning, and school. The students participate in units of study and use a variety of manipulative and art materials. Preschool students read and write to the extent of their ability. Reading, writing, and math instruction begin in kindergarten, and children are grouped with others having similar skills. Students receive instruction from specialists in Spanish, art appreciation, music, and physical education. Each classroom is equipped with two or more networked computers, and kindergarten students go to the computer lab for additional instruction.

Early Childhood Goals

• To develop a healthy, realistic self-concept
• To acquire appropriate and effective interpersonal skills
• To encourage independence and responsibility
• To establish positive attitudes toward school and learning
• To encourage exploratory behavior and risk-taking
• To facilitate creative and productive thinking
• To develop higher-level thinking skills
• To increase task commitment
• To enhance language skills
• To broaden the base of knowledge

2008-2009 Early Childhood Classes and Birthday Cutoffs

Classroom Hours

Half-day Classes: 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Monday through Friday

Extended Day: 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Friday

Full-day Classes: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Friday

Contact Nancy Farrar, Head of Early Childhood, for more information at nfarrar@sycamoreschool.org.