Dandelion's Curriculum

The Dandelion preschool program is a multi-age program, serving children ages 18 months – 6 years of age.  On any given day there will be children of differing ages in the same educational environment.  In addition, children display different interests and abilities even within the same age group.  For this reason curriculum is very individualized and children will be broken into small groups based on interests and abilities so that they can work together to focus on what is most relevant to them. 

Another important aspect of our program is emergent curriculum.  We believe that children are most motivated to learn when they are placed in the “driver’s seat.”  The Dandelion teachers follow the interests of the child to determine topics and themes of focus.  The teachers then incorporate learning objectives shaped around those interests. 

In addition, the Dandelion School places a major importance on nature.  For this reason, weather, seasons, and the natural outside world are incorporated on a daily basis. 

One of the most important aspects of our curriculum is the understanding that as much as one might plan and prepare an enriching environment it is important to be aware of the unplanned “teachable moments” that occur throughout the day.