Early Learning centre

In the Early Learning Centre (ELC), children acquire a variety of important skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enhance their future participation in society.

A POSITIVE EARLY EXPERIENCE with school is ensured by a dedicated classroom teacher and aide who work with with children at their specific stage of development. Students spend their day learning in the way that is most appropriate for children: through play. Learning is supplemented by specialist teachers in music, art, physical education and Spanish. Our approach is holistic and acknowledges that every child is unique.

Classes

Little Dragons Preschool

Ages 18-35 Months (To Enter)

8:30 am - 12:30pm or 2:45 PM

Junior pre-K

Ages 3-4

8:30 am - 2:45 PM

Pre-K

Ages 4-5

8:30 am - 2:45PM

Kindergarten

Ages 5-6

8:30 am - 3:05PM

Our Little Dragons Preschool

At LCIS, we offer a play-based curriculum in our Little Dragons Preschool, where students acquire important skills and knowledge that set the foundation for future learning. Young learners receive specialist instruction in swimming, music, Spanish and gymnastics. Students must be 18 months-35 months to enter.

How we learn

The Early Learning Centre (ELC) follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum beginning in Junior Pre-Kindergarten and focuses on big ideas that help the students understand the world around them and their place in it. Students develop a solid foundation for future literacy and numeracy.

“Teachers must value the reason for an answer more than the correctness of an answer. A PYP teacher helps students make connections so children understand more than knowledge as they construct deeper conceptual meaning.”
— Maria Odino, PYP Teacher

The IB Learner Profile

A set of attributes developed throughout all ages of the IB curriculum that help members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.

  • Inquirers

    We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

  • Knowledgeable

    We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

  • Thinkers

    We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

  • Communicators

    We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

  • Principled

    We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

  • Open-Minded

    We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

  • Risk-Takers

    We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

  • Caring

    We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

  • Balanced

    We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual, physical and emotional - to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

  • Reflective

    We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

Play-Based Learning

Students explore their environment and learn about the world naturally through play. Play-based learning is a perfect match for a future IB education because it fosters curiosity, relationships, symbolic expression and independent thinking.

“Using the inquiry cycle - wondering, investigating, examining, and sharing - builds students’ deeper understanding of the concepts.”
— Kim Scavella, ELC Teacher

Inquiry is an authentic way for students to explore and understand the world using play, problem-based learning, collaboration, experimentation and explicit teaching. Inquiry nurtures the development of curiosity to allow children to build deeper understandings as they embark on a lifelong journey of learning.

Inquiry-Based Teaching & Learning

2

Teachers Per Class

18

Months Old to Start Preschool

4

Specialist Teachers

1:20

co-curriculars available for our youngest learners

Other ELC Features

Language

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Field Trips

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Assessment

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Technology

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Physical Education

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The Arts

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Library

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Co-Curriculars

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Student Support

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S.T.E.A.M.

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Language • Field Trips • Assessment • Technology • Physical Education • The Arts • Library • Co-Curriculars • Student Support • S.T.E.A.M. •

  • Language

    All students study Spanish, starting in Preschool, with 20 minutes of instruction four days per week. The class length increases to 30 minutes in Pre-Kindergarten and then 45 minutes in Kindergarten.

  • Technology

    Students explore learning and apply skills with a variety of tools, including technology. All students in the ELC have 1:1 access to iPads in the classroom.

  • Field Trips

    Field trips play a role in linking classroom-based inquiries to the larger community, the outdoors and our environment.

  • Assessment

    Formal and informal assessments allow teachers to support and enhance student learning. Junior Pre-Kindergarten, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten students all take the Children’s Progress of Academic Achievement (CPAA), which teachers use to design instructional activities for one-on-one or small group instruction.

  • Physical Education

    Through movement, students develop personally, socially and emotionally, as well as physically. The curriculum also supports the development of gross motor skills and swimming ability.

  • The Arts

    Students have the opportunity to explore their creativity and communication in a variety of performing and visual arts mediums while working with visiting artists. Music is taught several times a week.

  • Library

    Students in the ELC visit the library every week and learn to choose books that reflect their passions and interests.

  • Co-Curriculars

    Students can participate in after-school activities in athletics, technology, and the arts.