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REDBRICKS EARLY YEARS PROGRAM (EYP) |
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The Redbricks Early Years Program has been developed with an aim
to provide an opportunity for children between the ages of 2.0 to
4.0 years for overall stimulation and early interaction in a safe,
nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
EARLY YEARS- A FOUNDATION STAGE
Early childhood is the period that sees the most
rapid growth and development of the entire human
lifespan. It is during this period that the foundations
of holistic development of a child are laid.
Developmental research confirms that the first five years are particularly Important for the development
of the child's brain, and the first three years are the
most critical in shaping the child's brain architecture.
Early experiences provide the base for the brain's
organizational development and functioning
throughout life. They have a direct impact on how
children develop learning skills as well as social and
emotional abilities. Children learn more quickly
during their early years than at any other time in life.
It is therefore vital that parents and educators focus
on providing stimulating and holistic experiences to
children at this age for their overall well-being and
growth.
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GOALS OF THE PROGRAM |
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The goals at each stage of EYP are designed in line with age—appropriate developmental milestones drawn
from an extensive study of child development research.
They focus on development of children across all areas including: Cognitive, Language, Physical, Social,
Emotional and Creative domains.
The goals within each of these domains are not focusing on academics and do not put undue pressure on
young children.
These goals are child-friendly and in line with their capacities at this age. Example- A Stage 2 language goal
would be "To enhance identification and discrimination of familiar sounds from the environment" rather than
"To teach alphabets."
The development of such foundation skills is crucial and contributing towards the child's future. However, the
core focus is on the 'developing child' as on today, and his/her needs, interests and abilities at this stage of life. |
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HOW CHILDREN LEARN IN EYP |
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INQUIRY LEARNING |
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Childhood is a state of wonder and
curiosity; a time when the world is
fresh and every small thing is
intriguing and interesting. At
Redbricks EYC, learning is built on
the child's natural curiosity where
the child is an investigator and
discovers how the world works
through active, first hand
exploration. |
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PLAY-BASED LEARNING |
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Play is work for young children. It is
through Play that they learn about
the world around them. At
Redbricks EYC, children are given
opportunities to engage in play of
various kinds. Teachers are active
observers and facilitators in
helping children to develop
important skills from their play. |
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING |
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Young children are not capable of abstract
thinking and their key mode of learning is
through their five senses. They need hands-on
experiences where they can themselves
experience objects/processes. A variety of
experiences are provided to children that are
relevant at their current stage of life. These
experiences are faciliated by teachers who
help children to make meaning from these
experiences through verbal interactions. |
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EARLY YEARS PROGRAM- STAGE 1 (2.0 TO 3.0 YEARS) |
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In this stage, the major focus is on the physical
development of children through a gym program
and an exploration of various senses. |
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Lots of opportunities are also given to children
through small and large group activities for their
overall development. |
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Sessions in a day include indoor free play, snacks
time, story time, creative arts, music and
movement and outdoor play. |
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Regular celebrations and few field visits a year are
also a part of the program. |
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EARLY YEARS PROGRAM- STAGE 2 (3.0 TO 4.0 YEARS) |
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In this stage, children's vocabulary and language
skills develop quite further than in stage 1. |
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They now start participating in group discussions
sharing their ideas and understanding in a much
more vocal manner. |
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A large emphasis is placed on developing their
listening and speaking skills in this year. |
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Socio-emotional, physical and creative
development also takes a significant jump in this
year. |
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In the area of cognitive development, their
numerical and thinking skills are also developing
rapidly and they start learning important maths
readiness concepts in a hands-on manner related
to the world around them. |
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Sessions in a day include indoor free play, group
discussion, snacks time, story time, creative arts,
music and movement and outdoor play along
with regular celebrations and field visits. |
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A DEVELOPMENTALLY-APPROPRIATE
ENVIRONMENT |
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Nurturing Staff The teachers of EYP are selected for their sensitivity
and ability to connect with young children. They are
provided extensive induction and ongoing inservice
training in order to become professional early
childhood educators. Their approach helps children to
easily connect with them, and their patience provides
children the necessary freedom to explore and
experiment. Female helpers (maids) are also assigned
to support teachers and to cater to children's basic
needs. |
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