GSRP CURRICULUM

Young children learn most effectively when they are engaged in an environment where teacher-child, child-child, and child-environment interactions are all at high levels. The curriculum and instructional strategies are based on developmentally appropriate practices for young children. These strategies provide a balance of child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities, which enhance the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each child. The GSRP program follows the Standards of Quality and Curriculum Guidelines set by the Michigan State Board of Education and licensing requirements of the Department of Human Services. The program is licensed and staffed by experienced teachers certified in early childhood education. Classrooms have a teacher/student ratio of 1 to 8.

Our nurturing environments provide children physical and psychological safety. Teachers and parents work as a team to provide the learning experiences and models which foster positive attitudes and dispositions toward learning. This is accomplished by providing a balanced program that includes both teacher-directed and child-initiated activities, quiet as well as active experiences, and the recognition that learning occurs in both formal and informal settings, especially through play. Great Start Readiness children:

  • Participate in experiences that build on their interests

  • Follow a daily routine, learn to take turns, cooperate, and share

  • Learn foundational literacy skills such as knowledge of the alphabet, rhyming, and concepts of print

  • Learn foundational mathematics skills such as one-to-one correspondence, patterning, and number sense

  • Develop problem-solving and self-help skills

  • Benefit from a wide variety of learning experiences so that they are ready for success when they begin kindergarten

  • Have opportunities to enhance their social skills through play and learning activities with children their own age

  • Experience literacy with appropriate pre-reading curriculum

  • Experiment with numbers and beginning math concepts

  • Develop both small and large muscle skills through daily physical activities

  • Are monitored quarterly on their academic progress

  • Receive monthly home learning packets and free books