Christian Schools of Florida
Accreditation Standards  

6000.17: THE EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

FAANS Early Childhood Standards for VPK


Definition: A structured instructional program, with developmentally appropriate experience for children in a pre-kindergarten between the ages of three and five years old.

17.1

Objectives

The curriculum of the early childhood program must be designed to address and evidence the following:

 
17.1.1 It is essential to recognize that there is a broad variation in the development of children between the ages of three and five years old.
17.1.2 The spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental development of children must receive paramount consideration, and the design of the program and provision for equipment must freely allow these developments to mature.
17.1.3 More emphasis should be placed on experience than on mastery of skills, while encouraging independence and group socialization.
17.1.4 The environment for learning must be loving, comfortable, safe and supportive of the developmental needs of the children.

 

17.1.5 Daily schedules must offer flexibility without creating frustration for the individual child.
17.1.6 The Bible must be introduced as the only authoritative basis of an individual’s moral development, faith, and spiritual practice.
17.2

Program Standards

17.2.1 The program for three-years-olds must place emphasis on social interaction among the children and less on academic readiness. A variety of activities must be included and take into consideration the different developmental levels and needs of each child. A mixture of active and passive activities designed for individual and group settings is required.
17.2.2 The program for four-year-olds should be similar to the program for three-year-olds, with more emphasis on utilizing interest centers, units, and thematic topics in a combination of group and individual instruction. A variety of activities must be included and be flexible enough to take into consideration the different developmental levels and needs of each child. A mixture of active and passive activities is required.
17.2.3 The program for five-year-old kindergarten must be varied and flexible, emphasizing academic readiness and social interaction. It must demonstrate a balance of play, discovery, manipulation and participation, and take into consideration the different developmental levels and needs of each child. Active and passive activities are required.
17.2.4 Learning experiences, activities and materials must involve math readiness, science, social studies, music, arts and crafts, and spiritual, social, language, auditory, visual, tactile, and physical development.
17.2.5 A daily schedule is required and must include prayer, circle time, free choice centers, story time, music, snack time, gross and fine motor activities, and quiet time.
17.2.6 Classrooms must be equipped with sufficient instructional materials that enhance the growth and development of young children.
17.2.7 A written spiritual development plan is required.
17.2.8 A curriculum guide must be written for all ages.
17.2.9 Written evaluation of each student’s progress is required.
17.2.10 At no time will children be without adult supervision.
17.2.11

Teacher:student ratios will comply with county regulations. (Schools participating in VPK will comply with NCPSA/FAANS teacher:student ratios.)

FAANS Early Childhood Standards for VPK

Policy number: 6000.17
Approved: April 2003
Amended: January 2005