The Early Childhood/Kindergarten Program

Diligent Hands Preschool was birthed to meet the needs of parents who expressed a desire for a service that exemplifies love, patience and personalize care in the shaping of little minds while preparing them for junior elementary. ​We believe, when a child feels loved, he/she is empowered from an early age with a positive attitude that produces self-confidence and enhances positive self-esteem.​

Philosophy

We at Diligent Hands Childcare Center believe that children need an opportunity to explore and experience a variety of activities, to be creative and confident as they discover the joy of I AM AND I CAN. Children will be able to express themselves and their preferences from an early age by selecting toys, material and activities that are designed to bring out their individuality and sharpen their creativity and problem solving skills.​The program offered by Diligent Hands Childcare Center is unique and is based on various philosophical research models of early childhood developmental theories. Research has shown that children who attend programs that have some theoretical basis for planning, have more positive experiences in the program, and the developmental gains are greater than for children who attend programs with no theoretical underpinning to guide the program’s practices.​Your child will be viewed as a unique individual, therefore activities are planned to bring out his/her creativity and uniqueness.​Age of Children to be Served Diligent Hands Preschool program is design to serve children from three years to six years or until such a time as they are ready to attend junior  Elementary. 

Program Overview

The Diligent Hands Childcare Center curriculum is based on the theory that play is an important work of early childhood, and necessary ingredient to learning. Our methods are based on the Maria Montessori method of teaching and is designed to develop the " whole" child. We believe that repeated manipulation of materials through various activities leads to mastery and develops the child's self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Curriculum Content

Practical Life -  These practical experiences in everyday activities are the corner stone of the Montessori method and prepares the child for other challenges in other areas of learning. It focuses on control of movement, care of self and care of the indoor and outdoor environment.

Sensorial Activities – The Sensorial materials are essential for academics in the Montessori prepared environment. The materials build on the Practical Life activities and prepare the child for work in math and language through lessons in observation and problem solving. These materials guide children to observe, compare, make distinction, and learn to think and reason.

Language Arts – The “explosion” into literacy occurs naturally in the early years if children are presented with the tools and experiences needed to  nourish the inclination to learn. The goals of Language Arts  are therefore intended to develop a rich vocabulary and a strong foundation in phonics.

Mathematics – The early childhood Mathematics curriculum presents concepts through sequential concrete materials. These materials allow the child the opportunity to manipulate, experiment and invent over and over again. This encouragement for repetition leads to internalization of abstract concepts inherent in these materials and a better understanding of these concepts.

Culture and Science – These studies extend into the Practical life, Sensorial, Language and Mathematics areas of the classroom and allow for further exploration with interesting and unique activities. The Culture and Science area includes geography, history, botany, zoology, and physical science.

Grace and Courtesy – The most important life skill for children to master is the ability to work and play with each other in a peaceful and caring way. Treating others with dignity and respect are the cornerstones of the Montessori philosophy and are thought through Grace and Courtesy exercises.

Geography – Children gain a deeper global perspective as they are introduced to land forms, continents, and the study of the earth’s formation. The Geography curriculum begins with the two hemispheres of the Earth and becomes more detailed as children learn about the continents and the countries.

Kindergarten – this is the calumniating year of the Early childhood cycle which provides an extraordinary opportunity for 5 and 6year-olds to develop their leadership skills. Everything the child has learnt in the previous years as a Montessori student, come together in the Kindergarten year. The children are ready to meet new challenges with confidence and determination.                        

Goals of the Program

The following are the goals and expectations for your child at the completion of his/her time at Diligent Hands Childcare Center:

​1. To help them form positive attitudes about themselves and others.

2. To help children master development skills (physical , social, emotional and intellectual).

3. To provide opportunities for children to learn about and make sense of the world around them