Summit's Preschool Program has been developed according to the guidelines outlined in the New Jersey Department of Education's “Early Childhood Education Program Expectations: Standards of Quality.”
These Standards of Quality define the criteria for the development of a quality early childhood education program. The standards encompass the attitudes, dispositions, knowledge, and skills on all developmental domains (cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical) as deemed developmentally appropriate for preschool children.
Seven content areas are outlined in New Jersey's Preschool Standards of Quality. The content areas are: Creative Arts; Health, Safety and Physical Education; Language Arts Literacy; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; and World Languages.
Objectives within the area of Creative Arts may include:
- Developing visual, tactile, and auditory perception
- Developing motor skills
- Developing an appreciation for art and music
- Having experience to listen
- Having the opportunity for self-expression and creativity
Health, Safety and Physical Education objectives may include:
- Recognizing the need for proper nutrition and hygiene
- Learning safety precautions
- Learning to exercise and participate in recreational activities
- Developing coordination, balance, and strength
- Acquiring acceptable social standards and ethical conduct such as good sportsmanship
Language Arts Literacy objectives may include:
- Developing active listening abilities
- Developing an interest in reading
- Developing skills of emergent reading
- Developing skills of emergent writing
- Developing ability to communicate ideas
- Developing print awareness
- Developing knowledge and enjoyment of books
- Developing phonological awareness
Mathematics objectives may include:
- Developing knowledge of spatial sense and geometric shapes
- Developing measurement/quantity concepts
- Exploring numeration
- Relating math experiences to real-life situations
- Communicating math concepts through use of manipulative, spoken language, and emergent writing.
Science objectives may include:
- Exploring the five senses and their uses
- Exploring living things
- Exploring components of the solar system
- Experimenting with matter
- Investigating the Earth's properties
- Participating in the proper care of the environment
- Making simple predictions
Social Studies objectives may include:
- Developing self-awareness and interpersonal relationship skills
- Developing an awareness of family and traditions
- Developing a sense of community and awareness of careers
- Developing an awareness of economics
- Exploring the cultures of their own families and others
- Developing an awareness of environmental issues
World Languages objectives may include:
- Experiencing a language other than English
- Participating in activities that initiate simple greetings and introductions in other languages
- Participating in cultural activities and celebrations to develop an awareness of diverse cultures.
Social Emotional
- Demonstration of self-confidence
- Development of self-direction
- Identification/expression of feelings
- Positive interactions with adults/peers
- Demonstration of pro-social behaviors
For additional information regarding the Preschool Programs, please visit The Primary Centers page.
Topics include
- Curriculum Overview
- What and How We Teach
- Theorists and Theories
- Math Tips for Parents
- Literacy Tips for Parents
- Environmental Design