More at Four I- Panthers

The preschool learning environment is primarily based on The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, developed by Teaching Strategies Inc, used in high-quality early education settings throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. At the core of The Creative Curriculum for Preschool are well-planned learning centers that allow for child choice and self-directed play, small groups, and supportive teaching that prepares children for academic excellence. The development of language, mathematical reasoning, and scientific thought is emphasized throughout all the centers. Changes to the learning environment, activities, and projects reflect emerging interests and individual goals. Learning centers offer guided experiences that encompass all the skills and understandings necessary for optimum development and success in school.

Throughout the day, children make self-directed and guided choices using Family Choice Boards, participate in small groups and projects, join in circle-times with the whole group, and reflect upon and    document their learning experiences. Children are guided to critical learning experiences that form the building blocks of healthy development. Using the The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and knowledge of the children and families as a framework, teachers use their talent and expertise to design, adapt, and invent learning centers that best serve the children in the room.

Interest Areas

The physical space of The Creative Curriculum classroom is organized into 10 indoor interest areas:

• Blocks
• Dramatic Play
• Toys and Games
• Art
• Library
• Discovery
• Sand and Water
• Music and Movement
• Cooking
• Computers

The 10 indoor interest areas plus the outdoor space offer multiple opportunities for children to explore, discover, and learn. Interest areas provide a setting for children to learn academic content and apply skills.

Second Step : A Violence Prevention Curriculum is used in all our Pre-K Classrooms

In about 30 minutes once or twice a week, the students learn to practice prosocial behavior. The Second Step program teaches children how to deal with emotions, resist impulsive behavior, resolve conflict, solve problems and understand the consequences of their actions. By understanding their emotions and how to respond to them, students are able to remain focused on academics. Children learn to understand issues that lead to conflict and then use specific problem solving strategies to resolve and avoid them.
Teachers model and reinforce the skills taught in the lesson throughout the week.

Kristie Cauble
Lead Teacher

I have been with Partners In Learning since graduating from high school in 2002. I have an AAS degree in Early Childhood from Rowan Cabarrus Community College and currently am pursuing my Bachelors in Birth-Kindergarten from Catawba College. I will graduated in May of 2009 with my bachelors degee. I am expecting a baby in the spring of 2009 and me and my husband couldn't be more excited!

Kelly Kirk

Teacher

I have been in the early childhood field for over 9 years.  Through those nine years I have seen that this field of expertise is my true calling and that my heart will always be to serve the children and their families of my community.  I am currently perusing my associate degree in early childhood.  After receiving my associate degree, I will be continuing my education for my birth to kindergarten bachelors degree.  I would also like to do some study in the early childhood field re-guarding children with special needs. 

 At times, you will see me acting a little crazy when I am reading children's books and acting them out (do not be surprised if you see me dressed up as Granny Smith, a clown, and many more), getting messy with the children as we do sloppy art, watching the children as they learn about nature and science with science projects or through cooking activities.  Through these hands on experiences we all learn a little more about ours and our world. I feel that I have as much to learn from the children as they have to learn from me.  I can not wait to join the team at Partners in Learning and with the More At Four Program.