EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE)

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• Welcome
• Staff
• Our Approach
• Gallery

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Welcome Back!
In ECE each class has begun a unit of study based on the interests of the students in their class. In The Silly Dragons classroom we are studying Bugs and Insects and the work that entomologists do. The Great White Polar Bears are studying adaptations and animals. The Great Fireworking Superheroes have been studying hibernation and different animals that hibernate in the winter. Finally the Awesome Superheroes have been studying space and following the progress of the Mars Rover, and creating their own planets.  
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“Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not a preparation for life but is life itself.”    John Dewey

Our Learning Objectives
In the document below, you will find the 38 Learning Objectives that will be intertwined in children’s play, work, exploration and experiences throughout the school year.
-Objectives for Development and Learning
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Class Syllabus -  ece.syllabus.2018-2019__1_.docx
​Lunch Menus - Sodexho Magic Lunch Menus  (scroll down to view the menu for the current month)

Meagan Montgomery
​ECE Lead Teacher
​Email | About

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Tyontae Briscoe
Instructional Assistant
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Stacy Miller
​ECE Lead Teacher
​Email | About

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Brittney Gerald
Instructional Assistant
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Emma 
​Bailey
​ECE Lead Teacher
​​Email | About

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Nina
Smith
Instructional Assistant
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Jenny
Akagi
Lead Teacher
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Julia Sadowsky
 Atelierista & Focus Teacher
​Email | About

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Eleanor Marindin
​Instructional Assistant
​Email | About

A Reggio-Inspired Project Approach 
A holistic, authentic, child-centered approach to learning that promotes meaningful relationships, creativity, and critical thinking skills in children. This unique approach is inspired by the philosophy and practice of the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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What is The Project Approach?
The Project Approach refers to a set of teaching strategies that enable teachers to guide students through in-depth studies of real-world topics.  With engaging and in-depth projects born from student interest, children feel highly motivated and actively involved in their own learning, leading them to produce high-quality work and to grow as individuals, collaborators, learners and artists.

What exactly is a project?
A project, by definition, is an in-depth investigation of a real-world topic worthy of a student’s attention and effort. The study may be carried out with an entire class or with small groups of students. Projects can be a short or long term, as the students’ reflection process and collaborative goals greatly impact the journey of each project.

Why are we using The Project Approach?
The Project Approach brings a number of advantages to any classroom and represents best practices in progressive early childhood education. The Project Approach aligns with Brent’s Field Studies Program and promotes critical thinking skills, creativity and social-emotional growth while intertwining cross-curricular rigorous academic content.

Source: The Project Approach

Our Main Principles
1. The Image of the Child
The child is viewed as strong, powerful, curious and capable. The child is eager to grow and should be nurtured by adults who take this drive towards growth seriously.

2. The 100 Languages of Children
Children communicate and represent their ideas and intelligence in a myriad of ways. All channels are tremendously valuable forms of expression.

3. The Project Approach
Our curriculum is grown from the children, as teachers ask questions and work to discover the children's curiosities, ideas, and theories. Through short and long term projects, children explore interests, problem solve, make connections, think critically and strengthen academic foundations.

4. Collaboration
The children, families, teachers and administration at Brent are all co-constructors of the learning in our school community.

5. Documentation
Each classroom tells the story of their learning by presenting photographs, artifacts, dialogue, and student work, in carefully designed exhibits. This demonstrates to students that their work is valued and taken seriously.

6. Environment as the Third Teacher
Our beautiful, organized, carefully designed classrooms provide relaxing and inspiring spaces that promote communication, relationships, creativity and exploration. Natural, authentic, open-ended materials provoke children’s ideas.

2017-2018 Gallery

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ECE UPCOMING EVENTS

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Atelier Showcase:
​March 7 (6-7pm)
June 6 (6-7pm)