1. Shows ability to adjust to new situations
Attempts to follow caregiver when he or she leaves the room
Interacts with teachers with family members near by
Interacts with teachers when family member is nearby
Is able to move away from family member; checks back occasionally (social referencing)
2. Demonstrates appropriate trust in adults
Listens attentively to adult when being fed or changed
Kicks legs and squeals when familiar adult appears
Looks to adult for attention or help
Halts exploration or play to watch
intently when new person enters
Seeks to be near trusted adult
Crawls to caregiver when a new person tries to talk to her
Seeks to be near trusted adult Makes visual or physical contact with trusted adult for reassurance
3.Recognizes own feelings and manages them appropriately
Cries when hears sudden loud noises.
Coos and smiles when being rocked or sung to
Laughs aloud when playing peek-a-boo
Sucks his thumb when there is a lot of noise or confusion
Grabs and clings to favorite teddy bear when there are many people nearby
Cries to express displeasure
Cries to express displeasure
Uses facial expressions to communicate feelings
Pushes away bottle
Pulls at diaper when being changed
Grabs for spoon when being fed
Protests when slighted or wronged by crying or yelling
Says “No” when another child takes his toy
Grabs or pushes when seeking a desired toy
Excerpt from Lower Grades' Standards
Curriculum
Acorn's curriculum is based on a set of published Standards that specifies Developmental Objectives for each of 10 Domains for its three Upper Grades and its three Lower grades. Enrichment units such as Spanish and Sign Language augment the Standards and are taught both by staff and visiting teachers.
Head Teachers prepare a Curriculum Plan each week which lists all the Lessons that will be presented in class. Each Lesson is fully described in a Lesson Plan which lists the goal of the Lesson and the developmental objectives that will be impacted by the Lesson.
The Standards, the Weekly Curriculum Plan, and the Lesson Plans are posted in each classroom every Monday morning for review by parents. A description of the Classroom and the Professional Biography of each teacher is also posted on each classroom door.
The Program Director spends time in each classroom weekly helping each teacher implement the curriculum and adapt the curriculum to the unique needs of each group of children and their families.
The Standards and Curriculum are reviewed annually in a process that includes garnering input from both from teachers and parents. The input is then circulated to the staff for review. At an in-service meeting the suggested changes are discussed and then either rejected or ratified by the entire staff.
Excerpts from the Standards are posted below along with a sample Lesson Plan. The complete version of our Standards and all Lesson Plans are available for parent review at the School.
