Early Childhood
Fundamental skills and whole-child development.
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In our Early Childhood Education (ECE) programme, students aged two to five begin their lifelong learning journeys. Our Chongqing preschool’s nurturing, play-based, and multicultural environment, supported by our dynamic Kindergarten Co-Teachers and classrooms, ensures that each young learner's unique interests and curiosities flourish. By offering children a high-quality and engaging education starting in Kindergarten, YCIS helps children discover the joy of learning.
Philosophy and Objectives
At YCIS, our bilingually focused, research-based, and holistic approach to education helps our students build a strong foundation and hone a range of skills from an early age. In our international preschool programme, it's imperative that our students view themselves as competent learners and know that they are valued and understood. Our teachers provide personalised attention and guidance to help each child develop to their full potential. As a part of our philosophy, we welcome families' interest in their children's learning journey, and we encourage their active involvement on campus and in our school community.
Programme
The concepts and skills that are important for preschool learning are embedded in meaningful activities in our indoor and outdoor environments. In our classrooms and play areas, children see themselves as readers and writers: they retell their favourite stories and express themselves through drawing, reading, and writing whilst developing fundamental language skills. Building with blocks, cooking, and sand and water play all provide infinite opportunities for our Kindergarten students to learn and practise skills such as mathematics and learn concepts of scientific discovery.
Co-Teachers
Co-teaching effectively facilitates a bilingual learning environment where Chinese and English are equally valued. Each class has an experienced Early Years team with two Co-Teachers, one English-speaking Western teacher and one Bilingual Chinese teacher, who plan together for the learning needs of their students. As equal partners in the classroom, ECE Co-Teachers provide an environment where children interact naturally, feel comfortable about their own identity and language, and begin to move easily between cultures. This environment contributes positively towards a child's future success in school and later in their future, helping them succeed in an increasingly globalised world.
Co-Principals
At our school, two Co-Principals, one Western and one Chinese, work together to provide academic leadership and oversee the implementation of Early Childhood Education at their respective campuses. Our successful cross-cultural collaboration acts as a model for Co-Teachers, students, and the greater YCIS community alike.
The Kindergarten Two's (K2) programme at YCIS Chongqing provides a nurturing environment for children aged two to three. Our families have the option of either a half-day or whole day learning programme, five days a week.
Co-Teachers and Small Class Sizes
The young children in our K2 classes experience the joy of learning with the support of experienced and qualified Early Years Co-Teachers. The Co-Teachers, one Western and one Chinese, plan together for the learning needs of each child.
With a maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8, each student in K2 receives individualised care and attention. This helps every child develop to his or her full potential.
The Co-Teachers share roles and responsibilities regarding resources preparation and planning and working with all of the children in the class. Each child's voice must be heard and we strive to meet their needs and interests cohesively and purposefully.
Learning through Play
In K2, we utilise the "Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage" curriculum framework from the UK to guide our planning and practice and to consistently reflect on the achievements and goals of the children in our classes. Learning through play is a vital part of this experience. Exploring, actively engaging, and creating are highly important in our play-based curriculum. The children's development is visible through their Learning Portfolios and our class blogs.
We provide open-ended resources and materials to engage children in various activities and play experiences. These experiences contribute to their skills and knowledge across all developmental areas and provide a solid foundation for their future learning as they move up to our K3 programme.
A Truly Bilingual Experience
Children in our K2 programme are immersed in a fully bilingual learning environment, where their English and Chinese language skills are equally developed.
Our Co-Teaching model combines Eastern and Western cultures in an efficient and engaging way in all day-to-day activities. The use and understanding of both languages are equally respected and evolve in each learning situation through play, routines, group learning, and conversation. In some instances, the children will be engaged in English, occasionally Chinese, and other times in both.
In this setting, the children develop confidence in verbal skills and become comfortable moving between cultures.
Developing Other Essential Skills
Our Co-Teachers encourage the children's personal, social and emotional development by focusing on fundamental interactions, such as waiting, taking turns, and sharing. They speak to the children on these topics and model these skills for them through their interactions.
Children feel competent when they have had opportunities to practise new skills through meaningful activities. They are offered appropriate choices throughout the day, honing their decision-making skills as they explore freely.
A Warm Environment
Our K2 classrooms are filled with fun and are always buzzing with activity. The teachers read frequently to children individually and in small groups, incorporating dynamic movement, dance, and music into lessons. Whether playing outside in the sandbox or working together on a project, our youngest learners gain a solid foundation for their schooling. For more information about the K2 Programme, please contact our Admissions team here.
Snapshot of a School Day in Two's
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