Early Learning at Brockton School takes the form of a purpose-built program for Junior Kindergarten (preschool; age 4) and Kindergarten.
Why Early Learning Matters
The benefits of high-quality early learning programs are well-documented. Programs that focus on authentic and child-centred experiences can significantly impact a child’s overall development, their ability to learn throughout their life, and their long-term success and happiness.
Research has established that the human brain develops most of its neural pathways in the early years of life; the young brain has high neural plasticity. Early childhood is a time of rapid cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and motor development. However, the neural plasticity lessens with age, and the learning capacities slow. While perhaps not great news for our adult brains, the impact of this reality is significant for our children: the more the brain is stimulated early on in life, the greater the number of cognitive connections that will become solidified (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000; Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD),2018).
It’s important to note that the exceptional plasticity of the young brain alone is not enough to ensure early learning. The foundations of early development also heavily depend on a nurturing and stimulating environment provided by family, early learning programs, and the wider community.
High-quality preschool and early learning programs can:
- Help children build a strong foundation for the cognitive and socio-emotional skills necessary to navigate through life’s challenges;
- Better prepare children for school and can predict higher academic performances;
- Enrich the home learning environment and combat various disadvantages that might otherwise hinder children’s development and integration;
- Lead to better overall outcomes (OECD, 2018; Yoshikawa & Weiland, 2013).
Early Learning at Brockton School
Early Learning at Brockton School takes the form of a purpose-built program for Junior Kindergarten (preschool; age 4) and Kindergarten. Grounded in the inquiry-based International Baccalaureate framework and adapted appropriately for developmental levels, we call it the Early Years Programme.
In visioning its Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs, Brockton identified that among the most important, research-backed aspects of a quality early learning program are:
- Stimulating and supportive interactions between teachers and children where there is a personalized approach that recognizes each student’s unique needs and strengths;
- Teachers who extend commitment, enthusiasm, and compassion to all of their students and families and who value the teacher-student-parent relationship;
- Teachers who recognize the worth of creative, hands-on classroom exploration enhanced by learning in the outdoors and the local community;
- Teachers who effectively design, implement, and maintain a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- The opportunity for students to establish healthy relationships with peers and with the community at large;
- The opportunity for students to develop emotional self-awareness, strategies for reflection, and a growth mindset;
- An appropriate ratio of teachers to students such that each child receives the attention they require and deserve for optimal learning;
- Highly trained and qualified teachers, including specialist teachers, who have a thorough understanding of the early learning years and associated strategies; and
- Effective support, mentoring, and coaching programs for teachers/staff, along with appropriate facilities and resources.
When Brockton School launched its Early Years Programme in 2016, each of these considerations was prioritized and incorporated. Today, Brockton’s community continues to see the benefits of the extraordinarily successful Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs, with its outstanding teachers, happy families, and inspired students. As per its mission statement, Brockton School embraces the genius of each child, starting in the preschool and Kindergarten years, and inspires the growth of outstanding humans. It is a mission that speaks to the fundamental desires of parents for their children. At the same time, it speaks to a bright future for our local and global communities.
Curious to learn more?
Presented by Karen McCulla, Head of School, Brockton School; Jane Richards, Former Brockton Junior School Principal, Registered Clinical Counsellor with Flore Therapy Group
References
- Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (Eds.). (2000). “From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development.” National Academy Press.
- Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). “Early Learning Matters; The International Early Learning and Well-being Study.” OECD Publishing. (2018). www.oecd.org/education/school/international-early-learning-and-child-well-being-study.htm
- Yoshikawa, H., & Weiland, C., et al. “Investing in Our Future: The Evidence Base on Preschool Education.” Society for Research in Child Development. (2013-10-16). www.srcd.org/sites/default/files/file-attachments/mb_2013_10_16_investing_in_children.pdf and www.earlylearningri.org/sites/default/files/site-content/docs/Evidence-Base-on-Preschool-Education-FINAL.pdf
