Early on, we realized that other curriculums at daycares out there didn’t fit the needs of the ever-changing world of child education and daycare. Most childcare facilities use pre-made curriculums that fall into one of two categories: play-based or academic. We didn’t think that distinct separation was necessary, so we decided to combine the two!
At Cornerstone Academy, we believe that children are inspired by play-based learning. That’s why we offer several different areas of play in each of our educational programs, which are designed to encourage early development while still having fun! Read to learn more about the six different objectives that make up our award-winning curriculum, and why it might be a great fit for your little one.
What is Cornerstone’s Curriculum?
At Cornerstone Academy, we are proud to offer a curriculum that is designed to help your little ones get the most out of their daycare experience! With a variety of activities and educational opportunities, our engaging curriculum helps children safely learn, grow, and have fun through:
Movement
There is no doubt that children can have a lot of energy. (Parents of young children, you know how much they want to run around.) And while it may seem exhausting, movement is an important part of any child’s development! Through physical activity, children can burn off energy, develop their fine and gross motor skills, and learn social skills such as communication, cooperation, and teamwork.
At Cornerstone, your kids can enjoy group games, music, and playground activities. We offer two hours of outdoor play from April through October and one hour of outdoor play from November through March. That way, you know they’re getting plenty of fresh air!
Social Development
Social development starts early and never truly stops, which is why it’s important to get your kiddo around others their age. At Cornerstone, we make sure to assist your little one in forming friendships, recognizing emotions when they pop up, and encouraging participation in group activities.
This helps them start to learn how to build relationships, improve their communication with others, and navigate social environments that at first might seem overwhelming. Social development also helps to build self-confidence and self-esteem, which are important for a child’s success in the classroom and beyond.
Language Development
Through activities designed to promote language skills, children can develop their ability to express themselves and to understand others. If they don’t learn how to communicate how they’re feeling or what they need/want, children can struggle to feel comfortable.
That’s why we emphasize language development by teaching our kiddos new vocabulary, exposing them to letters and numbers, and engaging them in activities that require understanding directions. We even encourage them to not just listen to fun stories, but tell their own. This also helps them grow their interpersonal communication skills, which are essential for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging in social environments.
Imagination
Who doesn’t love imagination? It’s one of the aspects of our curriculum that our kiddos enjoy the most, which is why we strive to help children explore subjects and objects that they are curious about. And it’s not just a fun way to spend the day: it also plays a larger role in their development.
Subjects involving imaginative play help children practice their storytelling skills, develop empathy, and learn to think outside the box. At Cornerstone, we give 1.5 hours of imaginative, directed choice play each day. There will always be something new for them to explore!
Art
We help our children explore the world beyond academics through art, particularly through exploring various senses, art materials, colors, shapes, and textures. Children can learn to express themselves through many different art projects we offer, such as finger painting, collage-making, sculpting, and much more.
Art provides children with an opportunity to explore their creative side and gain an understanding of the world around them. It also helps to foster communication and collaboration, as it encourages children to work together to create something meaningful and to express their ideas.
Independence
As much as we love to help out our little ones (and we’ll always be there if they need us), it’s crucial that we teach them self-sufficiency skills at a young age, such as washing their hands, toilet training, self-feeding, undressing/redressing, and putting items away.
Through these activities designed to foster independence and autonomy, children can take control of their own actions. They’ll learn to follow a routine, make their own choices about activities, take responsibility, and clean up after themselves. Daycare will also help them become accustomed to being away from their mom, dad, or guardian, which only further fosters their own autonomy.
What Are Cornerstone’s 4 Cs?
We believe that every child should be given the opportunity to grow and explore their interests, and we do this with the 4 Cs in mind: compassion, confidence, carefulness, and commitment.
- Compassion: We are sympathetic to ALL children and understand that each one has their own unique needs. Our teachers and staff deeply care for each child, and it shows in our ability to compassionately nurture your child’s growth.
- Confidence: We want families not to worry about who their young children are being left with. That’s why we prioritize safety and security at our center, and work hard to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and encourages your child.
- Carefulness: It is our duty to provide a secure environment for all children in our care. To ensure this, we prepare and train our staff to prioritize the safety of your children. We also communicate with parents or guardians about any concerns or incidents.
- Commitment: Developing a good relationship with families enrolled at our daycare is one of our highest priorities. We are available to listen, talk, or discuss any concerns you may have. If something is brought to our attention, we’ll do our best to make the situation right.
Voted the Best Daycare in Kenosha, Wisconsin
We’re proud to say we’re one of Kenosha’s most highly rated daycare centers, according to the positive online reviews on Google and Yelp! Year after year, we always aim to be listed as one of the best around and be recognized not only for our facility but also for our dedicated staff and curriculum.
And we don’t do it just to be awarded. (Although we do enjoy displaying the award proudly!) We do it because we want the families of the children under our care to know they can trust and rely on us.
Considering Cornerstone Academy? Schedule a Tour Today!
If the curriculum at Cornerstone Academy has piqued your interest and you would like to see us in action, come stop in for a tour! Explore our dynamic classrooms, observe our security measures, and witness our experienced teachers at work. We promise to make ourselves available at any time to provide you with a complete tour of our daycare. Simply stop in and check out our facility, or if you’d rather schedule a time, feel free to fill out our form or give us a call at 262-552-5368.
