Curriculum

F.M.P (Faith, Montessori, Play-based learning) Model

Our F.M.P model is made up of three parts, a foundation of Faith supported by Montessori and Play-based learning.

Faith:

Faith is the root and the heart of our early childhood program. Our goal is to lay down the foundation of faith, giving children a safe and nurturing environment to learn about God’s love. Our experienced and loving Early Childhood Educators are there to guide each child through their individual faith journey. We implement a faith-based curriculum through daily prayer, age-appropriate bible teachings, roles/responsibility, and weekly worship.

Prayer takes place at circle time, before meals, and throughout the day. When our youngest learners pray, it strengthens their faith and unity and helps them know that they are one before the Lord. Age-appropriate bible stories are taught through books at circle time, arts and crafts, music, and play through faith-based play materials. Learning the bible stories at a young age helps children develop empathy, forgiveness, and gratitude. Children take on different roles and responsibilities to help them take ownership of their faith. For example, choosing the bible story, worship song, or completing a class job. Once a week our daycare gathers in the gym for a united weekly worship where we all sing, dance, and learn together.

Montessori:

Montessori is a child-centered approach that fosters independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. Children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace using specially designed materials and activities that promote self-directed learning. Our Early Childhood Educators guide and support individual development with an emphasis on practical life skills, sensory awareness, mathematics, and language development. The classroom environment is designed to promote movement, exploration, and discovery.

Montessori aims to foster a love for learning, develop social and emotional intelligence, encourage independence and self-motivation, build confidence and self-esteem, and prepare children for future academic success. By applying Montessori principles, our daycare creates a nurturing environment that supports the unique needs and potential of each child.

Play-based learning:

Play-based learning focuses on child-led exploration and discovery, fostering a lifelong love of learning through interactive and engaging experiences. This approach prioritizes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Play-based learning has a child-centered approach, meaning that all activities are tailored to the individual interests and needs of the child.

Learning happens through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences in spaces designed to promote exploration, creativity, and imagination. Subjects such as math, literacy, and science are also incorporated into play, preparing children for future academic success. Our Early Childhood Educators support, guide, and extend children’s learning through play. Teachers observe and assess children’s learning to inform curriculum decisions. The curriculum adjusts to meet changing needs and interests of children based on Emergent Curriculum (topics and activities emerge from children’s interests and curiosities). Family involvement is an important part of play-based learning, and we encourage parents to participate and contribute to their child’s learning journey.

The Benefits of a Montessori and Play-based learning curriculum

By combining Montessori and Play-based learning, we are creating an environment where every child can thrive. This program is designed to meet the individual interests and needs of each child. The benefits of combining these two approaches are:

• Balanced structure and flexibility
• Holistic development (social, emotional, cognitive, physical)
• Increased engagement and motivation
• Enhanced creativity and critical thinking
• Strong foundation for future academic success
• Supports diverse learning styles
• Encourages exploration and discovery
• Develops confidence and self-esteem
• Prepares children for lifelong learning
• Aligns with child development research and best practices
• Respects children’s individuality
• Comprehensive child-centered education