23 to 36 Month Old Curriculum

The Bean Sprouts and Rockstars classrooms are our 2-year-old classrooms that were opened at Sprouts
Academy. Our rooms consist of children age 23-months to roughly 36-months. In terms of
ratio, we exceed our DCFS accreditation requirements by adhering to a 3:16 (teacher:child)
ratio, rather than the required 2:16 ratio. We have one lead teacher, one co-lead teacher, and a
third team teacher.

By applying the Emergent Curriculum to our every day school endeavors, children have the
opportunity to explore their environment (both indoors and outdoors) in a creative and playful
way. Teachers observe the interests of the children, whether it be block building or painting,
journal-writing or soccer, then use what they observe to elaborate on the children’s experiences.
Expanding on learning interests may come in the form of related books teachers check out
from the local public library, or inviting children to try a focused, more structured art activity that
relates to the children’s interests, for example. The curriculum emerges from the children’s
natural wonder and curiosity. We believe that children learn best through hands-on play and
exploration in our socially-rich school environment.

Besides embracing the Emergent Curriculum, we also utilize aspects of the Reggio Emilia
approach to education. Our Reggio inspiration is visible in terms of our documentation of the
children’s play and work endeavours as well as our community interest and involvement.

Example Daily Schedule for the Bean Sprouts and Rockstars classrooms:

  • 7:30am School opens
  • 8amBreakfast
  • 8:30-9:30am Open learning centers, extracurricular activities (music, yoga, foreign language), morning check-in/story time
  • 9:30am Morning snack
  • 10am Outside Park Adventure
  • 11:20am Lunch
  • 12:15pm Half-day pick up
  • 12:30-2:30pm Nap time
  • 2:30pm Afternoon snack
  • 2:45-3:30pm Open learning centers and group story time
  • 3:30 4pm Monday, Friday Music session
  • 4pm Outdoor walk/park adventure
  • 5-6pm Open learning centers/afternoon theme activities and stories
  • 6pm Full-day pick up, school closes