Our Programs

Graceful Hearts Academy uses a curriculum that reflects our play-based philosophy. We respect each child’s developmental progress and encourage growth in eight different areas including social and emotional development, problem-solving skills, literacy, math and science. Each age group provides unique opportunities for growth. Within our curriculum for the whole child, some specific goals for our family childcare program include sparking a love of learning, providing a multitude of sensory experiences, building the cornerstones of strong social and emotional skills, and ensuring every child feels safe and secure in the family childcare environment.  

Family Childcare Classroom Environment  

Children learn through play, so it is especially important that the environment they explore provides what they need for successful development. The classroom and outdoor areas have developmentally appropriate centers that encourage exploration in: dramatic play, art, science, literacy, writing 

math, and construction/blocks.  

Building a Foundation for Social and Emotional Development 

Social and emotional development is such an important factor in successful learning. Throughout the day, we will encourage children to form positive relationships with adults and peers, by listening to each other, expressing themselves appropriately, following directions, and operating as a member of a group. Social interactions really begin to develop in a new direction for three and four-year-olds. Friendships begin to develop, and the children learn to express their needs and to listen to the ideas of their peers. Learning to share, take turns, compromise and to express feelings in a positive manner are all part of this stage of their emotional development. We take these opportunities to carefully observe and guide interactions.

Reinforce Gross and Fine Motor Skills 

During indoor time, children have creative movement time and plenty of center activities for strengthening fine motor skills, including specially design art projects, sensory table investigation and table-top manipulatives. 

Independence and Self-Expression  

As three and four-year-olds become more confident, their independence and self-expression grow. Class plans reflect the children’s eagerness to complete tasks independently and express themselves through language skills, the arts, and social interactions. Time is built into the daily schedule for children to learn self-help skills (putting on outdoor clothes, washing hands, cleaning up art messes, self-serving snack and lunch), classroom clean-up and community chores. We work with the children to help them learn to express their thoughts about the world they explore.  

Explore Early Literacy, Math and Problem Solving 

We introduce our three- and four-year-old children to letters, numbers, science experiments, art materials and reading in a way that sparks their imagination and interest. The children learn to understand the meaning behind the written word and numbers, and how these concepts represent the world around them.  Children are exposed to a print-rich environment, which allows students to associate written language with oral language.