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.

PYP LogoA 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

Preschool
Little Dragons Preschool

Ages 18-35 months

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

Junior Pre-K
Junior Pre-K

Ages 3-4

8:30am-2:45pm

Pre-K
Pre-K

Ages 4-5

8:30am-2:45pm

Kindergarten
Kindergarten

Ages 5-6

8:30am-3:05pm

Our Little Dragons Preschool

At LCIS, we offer a play-based curriculum in our Little Dragons Preschool (18 months-2 years & 11 months), 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.

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.

Read More About the PYP.

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.

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.

Read More about Play-based Learning

Inquiry-based Teaching & Learning

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.

Learn More About Inquiry in the PYP
2
teachers per class
18
months old to start Preschool
20
co-curriculars available for our youngest learners
4
specialist teachers

Other ELC Features

Language: pre-school student on playgound
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: two studens at table working
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.

Co-curriculars: Teacher helping student with gymnastics
CO-CURRICULARS

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

Physical education: student in a bean bag race
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.

Field trips: young student at the aquarium.
FIELD TRIPS

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

Student support: teacher sitting on floor with two young students.
STUDENT SUPPORT

We follow an immersion model for English language learners at this age. Early intervention for literacy is provided as needed.

Assessment: Student writing with pencil
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.

The Arts: teacher with student painting vase
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.

STEAM: Teacher with student and plant
STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math skills are integrated across the curriculum and students can pursue these fields in-depth in the co-curricular programme.

Library: Pre-school student reading in bean bag chair
LIBRARY

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

LC logo
Accreditations & Affiliations
IB Continuum logo
NEASC logo
CIS logo
NAIS logo
Tri Association logo
Round Square logo
Eco-Schools logo