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In my experience with early childhood education, I have noticed that younger children learn more quickly and remember the information better when it is fun and they can materially participate. Therefore, I have always taken a hands-on approach to teaching rather than structured curriculum. I have used Fireflies Curriculum in the past; however, I also include my own activities to go along with the weekly theme. I usually focus on one alphabet letter and one number per week and have the children do one or two art projects to go along with the concept. I use visual aids, books, media, and whatever else I have at my disposal at the time to convey these ideas. I incorporate as many multicultural and non-gender related activities and materials as possible. Although we do celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the other traditional Christian holidays, I also teach your children about Hannukuh, the Chinese New Year, other cultural occasions. My goal involving curriculum standards is "no limits" without crossing parental boundaries of course. I want your children to be well-rounded, independent individuals that are knowledgeable in many different subjects. I began including Sign Language (Baby Sign Language) into my curriculum about 5 years ago. It was something new and different that I decided to try to see how the children responded. It was amazing! My then two year olds were actually learning Sign Language - using hand gestures themselves as well as interpreting the Signs that I would use. I began using it on a daily basis to communicate with them for their wants and needs. Not only did they enjoy it but they were also able to verbalize what they wanted much sooner than would have before learning the Sign Language I feel. It helped them have a way to communicate until their verbal skills matured and developed fully. After one year, my children had learned more than 100 Sign Language words and phrases.
I also incorporate a little bit of Spanish into each day. I variate between speaking to the children in Sign Language and Spanish now to keep it fresh and interesting. I am not fluent in either language; however, always strive to learn more nd teach them as much as I can. We practice monthly fire and tornado drills and talk about weather safety. Because I am unable to transport for field trips and other activities outside of the premises, I still try to allow them a similar experience. One year during Fire Safety Week I arranged for a couple of firemen from the Loganville Fire Department to come speak to the children. They were happy to oblige and even brought the ladder truck and the fire dog and allowed the children to sit in the driver's seat one at a time and sound the siren. The children had a great day! During Career Week I invited a veterinarian's assistant in to talk about her job. She wore her uniform and brought a couple of small dogs with her and the children were so excited. I also invited other parents to come in and share about their professions. Parental involvement is very important to TLC. Sometimes I send unfinished worksheets or projects home with your child to allow you the chance to see for yourself just how much they are learning and the types of activities they are doing each day. Learning can be fun at TLC!
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Our Curriculum 
