Inspired by the Best in Early Childhood Education...
At New Beginnings Day School , we blend various research-based approaches to early childhood education, including the much-celebrated Reggio- Emilia Approach, the Piagetian-based High-Scope(hands on) Curriculum, the writings of Lev Vygotsky, the intuitive genius of Maria Montessori. What links all these approaches is the underlying theory of respect and trust in the potential of the child. We incorporate the Florida Birth Through Five Standards and VPK guidelines to make sure all readiness skills are addressed. Our VPK class uses The Creative Curriculum.
Underlying all of what we do is a grounding in our Faith that God made each of us unique and with a special purpose to exercise those talents. We celebrate these natural talents and gifts that each child has in multiple ways throughout the day. We utilize Brite Curriculum in our day school and children's ministry programs.
Preschool Programs
Mangrove Toddler Classrooms
Our Mangrove toddler classes are a multi-age program for children ages 18 months to three years. In a Reggio Emilia inspired toddler program, developing good relationships is primary. For most families, it is the first time they are enrolling their child in a school and we want the experience to be one everyone is comfortable with. We use current research about what is important for children’s good mental health and academic development to provide a solid beginning.
Three's /Four's Classrooms- The Sea Turtles & Angelfish
PreK-3 Sea Turtle and Angelfish Groups: 3 by September 1
PreK-4 Green and Blue Dolphin Groups: 4 by September 1
*All children must be completely potty trained
to be in The Reef classrooms
We call it "The Reef"- a multi-age space that is set up to be the ultimate learning laboratory! In the Reef, children ages 3-5 work and learn together during learning center time each morning. Research shows that multi-age grouping actually develops stronger academic skills in children. They are allowed to move up to harder work when they are ready, or repeat work that may be a bit more challenging to them. During learning center time, you will see a variety of groupings of children: some are working independently, some are in small groups,
and some working with a teacher.
Along with our Reggio Emilia inspired emergent curriculum, we begin to introduce and emphasize more academic subjects such as handwriting skills, alphabet and phonics skills and mathematical thinking skills. We also develop Christian beliefs and values like kindness, conflict-resolution, empathy, and respect, through weekly chapel visits, reading bible stories and celebrations of religious holidays throughout the liturgical calendar year.
Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program- The Dolphins
The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) was implemented in 2002 by the Florida State Legislature and the voting public to give Florida families of four year old children access to Pre Kindergarten, especially benefiting those who might not otherwise afford sending their child to preschool.
Our VPK Schedules
We currently offer two types of VPK programs.
The 540 hour school year VPK program is for children who will be turning four by September 1 of the current year. During "VPK Time," we provide the children with extra experiences to practice their math and language arts skills. We also use this time to finish art, science and social studies projects they began in the morning. The ratio is 1 teacher to 11 children. Although the fall VPK program is looked at as an extension of our normal program, it is a separate program in the sense that the VPK program is governed by the state of Florida and we must adhere to their rules and regulations. Priority for this program goes to the children already enrolled in our PreK-3 program. Our VPK Classroom utilizes Creative Curriculum.
To enroll your child in VPK, visit the ELCHC website for instructions.