Our Curriculum Model
PCH believes that children learn best through play and inquiry that is directly rooted in their interests and daily life experiences. Educators develop daily learning opportunities based on their deep understanding of child development and the observed strengths, needs and interests of the children in their programs. PCH uses the Continuum of Development within Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT) and How Does Learning Happen pedagogy to guide their curriculum. Our responsive approach to programming sparks children’s natural inquisitiveness and desire to learn. The environment is also adapted to meet the individual needs of the children. Our educators ensure we support the whole child by curriculum planning for all developmental domains. We respect that children have their own way of learning, and take this into consideration when planning. Our educators meet the children where they are, modifying their teaching styles as needed. Educators are highly trained to observe, acknowledge and identify each child’s strengths and needs, and adapt their program curriculum planning and learning materials accordingly.
To support communication with families, educators at PCH use an app called Himama. This app enables the team to make profiles for each child, allowing educators to share children's learning, skill development, strengths and needs with families. Families can be updated through email, and notifications via the HiMama website and mobile app.
PCH also provides additional program enrichment on a weekly basis. Our current program enrichment includes music education with Ashley Braga.
Ashley Braga offers unique workshops for toddlers to senior kindergarten children with the influences of ORFF, Dalcroze and Kodaly. Each music lesson is organized by age and includes singing/movement games, storytelling, instrument exploration and a listening component. For the school age children Ashley fosters the exploration of sounds and allows children the freedom to create their own music with their voice, body and carefully chosen instruments. Children will learn basic music concepts such as duration, tempo, meter, timbre and dynamics all in a fun and playful manner.