Our Programs
Our Programs
Saguaro Infant Care and Preschool (SICP) uses a theme based curriculum with a strand of Christian instruction. This includes praying before meals, learning Bible stories, and participating in Chapel twice a month. Chapel runs approximately 30 minutes and consists of songs, prayers, and stories for 2-5 year olds. In addition, the preschool (3-5 year olds) follow the Early Learning State Standards for Arizona.
Infants
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Our guidelines for infants are within the confines of Developmentally Appropriate Practices as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The areas of most importance are brain development and social skills. Through daily interactions with responsive, affectionate adults, babies experience their first positive love relationships. Regardless of their level of development, infants need a caregiver’s help in each stage as they learn about security, trust, exploration, and identity. The low ratio of adults to babies (1 to 4), allows us to promptly attend to each child’s needs.
Preschool
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The preschool years are recognized as a vitally important period of human development and learning in all areas of human functioning- physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. Optimal development occurs if children have opportunities to establish positive and caring relationships with adults and other children, benefit from adult guidance and assistance, and explore interesting environments with many things to do and learn. Teachers strive to prepare the classroom with learning centers to promote social/emotional skills and academic learning. The emphasis in the preschool classrooms is to teach the “whole child”, not just provide academic learning.
Toddler
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The one-year old: As the one-year old becomes more mobile, exploration takes center stage. In turn they begin to build a strong identity as they venture out. We provide a warm and watchful eye as they develop confidence and competence. Even though they are practicing independence, they very much need the security of a trusted adult for support.
The two-year old: The two-year old strives to be independent and self-reliant. Teachers need to offer experiences that support initiative, creativity, autonomy, and self-esteem. She must be prepared to prevent injuries and handle conflicts as toddlers learn to defend themselves, share, and cooperate with others. We give toddlers opportunities to be responsible, make significant choices, and to be challenged or disciplined in ways that keep their dignity intact.