CGL recognizes the Colorado Department of Education guidelines while incorporating the Reggio Emilia influence that recognizes that child-directed play is a wonderful opportunity for learning. We concentrate on the top readiness skills as outlined by Ellen H. Parlapiano in Parent and Child, such as enthusiasm for learning, solid oral-language skills, the ability to listen, the desire to be independent, the ability to play well with others, strong fine-motor skills, and basic letter and number recognition. We also concur with her statement, “Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved easily through play and day-to-day activities.”
CGL approaches early childhood education by adhering to Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP). This means that we provide an environment and offer content, materials, activities, and methodologies that are age-appropriate and individually appropriate for each child.
There are seven “domains” our teachers reference in developing programs that enhance students’ development and readiness for kindergarten and beyond. These domains are the foundation for what kindergarten readiness experts call “setting the stage” for kindergarten. In keeping with the time-honored theory, “You have to learn to walk before you can run,” these developmental steps are crucial to providing the foundation by which children will eventually be able to absorb the reading and writing skills that will be taught in kindergarten.