Philosophy & Curriculum

Play-based Learning

At Castlewood Community Preschool, we integrate play into all aspects of learning. We know that children learn best through play and experiences and that children learn by doing, getting messy, investigating their questions and problem solving with their friends. 

Our teachers set up intentional play activities and explorations that meet the needs of individual students.  They question and extend children’s thinking and play to help them learn and grow.  They intentionally plan and organize the classroom so children have the opportunity to develop in the areas of social/emotional, language and literacy, math, science, creative arts, fine motor and gross motor.

Creative Curriculum

Creative Curriculum is at the heart of our curriculum planning.  It is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features inquiry, exploration, and discovery as the foundation of all learning. It brings meaningful interactions and learning to life in our classrooms.  Each day, engaging, meaningful and fun curriculum is embedded into our daily lesson plan.  This is done through specific questions of the day, read-aloud books, circle time lessons, small group activities and integrated into interest areas during choice time.  Preschool standards that will prepare your child for kindergarten are specifically addressed through Creative Curriculum.

Process-Focused Art

Process-focused art is when a child is given an open-ended project and they have the opportunity to express themselves through their work. The finished artwork is based on the child’s discovery and creativeness.  Process-focused Art also allows children to practice their fine motor skills, however, how and what they practice ends up being up to the child and what they decide to create. They can practice with their scissors, they can use different types of materials, squeeze bottles of paint or glue. Your child is encouraged to be creative and learn to have the confidence to explore and experiment. Processed-focused art also provides plenty of opportunity to problem solve. Both types of art are done on a daily basis at Castlewood Community Preschool.

Kindergarten Readiness

At Castlewood Community Preschool we prepare young children for their elementary education and assist parents in becoming active participants in their child’s education. The Colorado preschool academic standards are embedded in the Creative Curriculum, play-based activities and lessons. We prepare children socially and academically for kindergarten.

Support

Our staff also functions as a family support service, providing intervention in any needed area. We do this through community services for families with children with special needs or for families desiring information on early childhood issues and concerns.