The PDE program is conducted for about 100 children a year, not including summer. There are four full-time teachers, and two teachers for hourly care.
“We’re a developmental preschool,” said the PDE director. “We run a regular academic school year program, and use CreativeCurriculum.net.”
She explained that this online curriculum, which is produced by Teaching Strategies, Inc., founded in 1988 by educator and author Diane Trister Dodge, is for both teachers and parents. Online parent/teacher interaction is encouraged, and teachers and parents have conferences in person at least two times a year. An online portfolio is developed for each child, and parents can easily access their child’s information and development as it is recorded in the portfolio.
“We follow guidelines from the Department of Defense and the National Association for the Education of Young Children,” she explained.
The Academy Child Development Centers were recently granted accreditation by the NAEYC. This prestigious recognition has been achieved by only about seven percent of early childhood programs nationwide.
The curriculum identifies goals in all areas of development, including social, emotional, cognitive and physical. Instruction includes projects in math, science, language, cooking and art.
Photo: Two young children “work” on one of the classroom computers. The PDE program uses the online CreativeCurriculum.net program which provides interaction between parents and teachers.
“One of the most important goals of early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers, who are not afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts. Opportunities are presented to each that encourage that child to be an independent, self-confident, inquisitive learner, by teaching them how to learn, not just in preschool, but all through their lives. Children are allowed to learn at their own pace and in the ways that are best for them. They are given good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves, which will make a difference throughout their lives.”
Eligible users of 10th Services Division activities are active duty and retired military, NAF and DoD government employees, USAFA cadets and Prep School students, reservists, national guard, and eligible family members. Eligible users of the Officers' and Enlisted Clubs are detailed on those pages. Eligible users of Academy Concerts include the general public. 5/2/07 Web POC
