Creative Curriculum
Saint Anselm’s Academy uses the Creative Curriculum as the foundation for creating the best programs for children. This research-based, age-appropriate, whole-child approach is challenging, engaging, culturally and linguistically responsive and promotes positive outcomes for children. The Creative Curriculum includes the domains of mathematics, language and literacy, cognitive and physical development, science and technology, the arts, social studies, English-language acquisition, and social-emotional development.
The Creative Curriculum is directly aligned with the New York State Early Learning Standards which emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices. The Creative Curriculum was adopted and implemented by all New York City public school early childhood programs during the 2023-2024 school year. Alongside this curriculum, Saint Anselm’s Academy uses Teaching Strategies GOLD, an authentic child assessment system, to help parents and caregivers understand and support their child’s learning. Results of the assessments are discussed during two parent-teacher conferences held in the fall and spring. Saint Anselm’s Academy also utilizes Brigance III, a developmental screener to inform the planning of rich learning experiences tailored to each child's strengths, interests, and needs.
The Creative Curriculum is directly aligned with the New York State Early Learning Standards which emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices. The Creative Curriculum was adopted and implemented by all New York City public school early childhood programs during the 2023-2024 school year. Alongside this curriculum, Saint Anselm’s Academy uses Teaching Strategies GOLD, an authentic child assessment system, to help parents and caregivers understand and support their child’s learning. Results of the assessments are discussed during two parent-teacher conferences held in the fall and spring. Saint Anselm’s Academy also utilizes Brigance III, a developmental screener to inform the planning of rich learning experiences tailored to each child's strengths, interests, and needs.
Infant & Toddler
The Infant & Toddler curriculum builds on daily routines and creates meaningful learning experiences that nurture the unique strengths, interests and needs of our youngest learners. With the Creative Curriculum, teachers can provide children with the opportunity to develop secure attachments that allow them to gain confidence as learners. Children guide their own learning through various “studies” which outline learning while allowing teachers plenty of opportunities to incorporate their own creativity and expertise; giving them the flexibility to follow children’s interests while ensuring they’re continuing to address all the important areas of learning and development.
Preschool
The Preschool curriculum empowers children to be confident, creative, and caring learners through play-based, hands-on investigations. The curriculum promotes discovery and inquiry with opportunities for children to think critically and develop process skills with rich, hands-on investigations of relevant and interesting topics in the classroom. Teachers can individualize instruction and guide their learning through various “studies” which outline learning while allowing teachers plenty of opportunities to incorporate their own creativity and expertise; giving them the flexibility to follow children’s interests while ensuring they’re continuing to address all the important areas of learning and development. In addition to the curriculum, children’s literacy skills are promoted through weekly editions of Scholastic’s My Big World (Preschool) and Let’s Find Out (PreK & UPK).
Developmental Screening
Saint Anselm’s Academy administers the Brigance III Screening within the first 45 days of enrollment. This nationally standardized tool covers a broad sampling of a child’s skills in key developmental areas such as language, literacy, math, and physical skills. The data from this screening will help the teachers identify any children who may require additional services or supports, as well as those children who may seem gifted, or advanced.