Summary

Open Door’s curriculum draws from several approaches including the Creative Curriculum, Reggio-Emilia, Emergent Curriculum, Nature-Based Learning, and others, all rooted in the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation is the gold standard in the field of early childhood education. Accreditation is a multi-year process that evaluates curriculum, policies and procedures, safety, community involvement, finances and, most importantly, the teacher/child relationship. In Austin, fewer than 12% of programs are NAEYC accredited. Open Door’s commitment to NAEYC standards — and our Certification as a four-star Texas Rising Star Program — result in high quality early childhood education.

Our curriculum addresses physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Learning is an interactive process and we promote a child-led, play-based environment with activities and materials that are concrete, real, and relevant to the lives of young children. Our teachers take each child’s developmental stage into account when interacting and when developing learning experiences.

Emergent Curriculum

• In our child-led approach, lessons are based topics that may be determined by the teacher, but the teacher then follows the children’s interests.

• Learning approaches are designed to meet needs based on group/individual temperaments and learning styles.

• Topics take into account children’s family and cultural backgrounds.

• Lessons are based on observation of children’s abilities and interests.

Classroom Activities

• Classrooms are playful spaces with opportunities for art, science, writing, counting and numeracy, and imaginative play.

• Children have lots of time for exploration outdoors.

• Children work in community with others, and also have time for quiet and reflection.

• Open Door Preschool students also explore the wider community with developmentally appropriate field trips.