The Smart Start strategy for preschool learning begins with the understanding that:

1. Every child is eager and ready to learn new and challenging, yet age appropriate skills.
2. Every child will progress through specific sequences of skill; however will mater those skills on an individual basis.
3. A child must master each level of skills before progressing to the next in order to be successful in learning

Our curriculum has been developed by the collaborative efforts of a Connecticut certified teacher, 3 certified head teachers, and a parent board using the Connecticut Framework Preschool curriculum as a guide.

The Connecticut Framework identifies specific skills as a foundation for which all children entering kindergarten should have attained.

In addition, Smart Start employs the Creative Curriculum to create individual portfolios for ongoing assessments and observation.

We use a varied approach to teaching with the realization that children will respond individually to different teaching methods.

·         Teaching Strategies: differentiation in instruction i.e.: modeling, repetition, facilitation, circle time, reading , signing , purposeful play and intentional teaching

·         Child Groupings: one on one, small group, large group and individual exploration

·         Learning Centers: Dramatic play, Science, Math, Manipulatives, Art, Blocks, Technology, Literacy/Library, and Music

·         Ongoing Assessment: observation and individual portfolio