“My children love and respect their teachers, something we find very important in early education.” - A Canterbury Parent
Important Links
- Click here to view Canterbury - A Community of Learners
- Early Childhood Parent & Student Handbook
- Summer Reading List 2009
- Canterbury Weekly Newsletter
- Summer Programs 2009 Brochure
A Distinctive Early Childhood
Our Early Childhood program is based on creativity and discovery, a program in which positive adult guidance is balanced with child-initiated exploration. Canterbury offers four levels of Early Childhood instruction for children ages 2 to 5; curriculum builds on skills and concepts learned in the previous class and prepares each child for the next level. Small class sizes, a hallmark of Canterbury, allow teachers to maximize personal attention. The faculty and teaching assistants are committed to encouraging children to advance as far as their maturity, interest and ability permit, as well as to creating a warm environment where each child feels safe and confident while discovering the unknown.
At Canterbury, children learn by doing. Active exploration of the environment and discovery using the senses lead children to learn about the world around them. There is an emphasis on strengthening children's self-identity and fostering group interaction while supplying a firm academic foundation
The Early Childhood program provides stimulating experiences in language, literature, music, art, drama, science, math and social studies, as well as opportunities for growth in fine and large motor skills. Children are encouraged to expand their language skills, to develop curiosity and creativity and to solve problems effectively. These experiences help children gain self-confidence, self-control and independence.
- Each Early Childhood teacher has a bachelor degree. Students benefit from educated instructors well-trained in childhood development.
- Students learn about artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Kandinsky and Grandma Moses to study style, color, shape and technique. Activities such as splatter painting like Jackson Pollack and Eric Carle, dabbing like Claude Monet and creating mosaics like Alma Thomas complement cognitive instruction.
- A Buddy Class program brings Early Childhood and older students together for friendships and educational interaction.
- A low teacher-to-student ratio means each child academic and developmental potential is recognized.
- Every Early Childhood teacher is supported by a full-time teaching assistant.
For More Information
Paula Pritchard, Director
ppritchard@canterburyschool.org
