The Program

The Barnard Early Childhood Center (EC2) serves pre-kindergarten, all-day kindergarten, and grade one students, including special needs children. This strong language immersion program includes an exciting project-based approach adapted from the noted Reggio Emilia early childhood schools. A Reggio school bases its instructional program on a creative, interactive relationship between a child’s experience and the values of the community.

Children become part of the learning process and are motivated to gain their own individual understanding. Reggio assumes that children come to school as competent learners: applying what they know in new situations; extending what they know through manipulation of new and interesting materials; and integrating what they know in interdisciplinary, thematic learning units. The program integrates developmental and academic objectives within a child-centered learning environment which encourages exploration, communication, problem solving and discovery. There is significant parent involvement in creating the learning environment, thematic units and home reinforcement. The Center has a Learning Lab, Family Literacy Center, Movement Room and assembly programs as well as extensive partnerships with corporations and institutes of higher education.

Results

The staff used the COR system to assess individual children’s learning progress in the following categories: initiative; social relations; creative representation; music and movement; language and literacy; logic and mathematics. Statistically significant growth in each area was attributable to the instruction offered under the Reggio Emilia rubric.

Learning Standards

English Language Arts: 1) read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding. 4) read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.

Contact

Harriet Glick
Barnard School
129 Barnard Road
New Rochelle, NY 10801-1301
914-576-4386
fax: 914-576-4625