ERCCD Curriculum
ERCCD is a Gold Seal Quality Care Program, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) provider with the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend, and accredited by Cognia Early Learning Schools.
Play is the work of the child.
We consider the curriculum itself to be any and everything that happens in the child’s day that promotes social, emotional, physical, cultural and intellectual growth and development. Our staff are encouraged to help children develop skills in observing, questioning, listening, discovering, and understanding. Our ERCCD staff recognizes the growth and developmental stages of young children, and we create lesson plans geared to the individual needs of each child. Using this approach young children gain self-confidence and self-respect while maximizing their capabilities and strengthening their limitations.
While integrating daily lessons with a multiplicity of resources, we are able to teach children about their cultural heritage and to appreciate diversity while introducing fundamental early childhood concepts and Kindergarten readiness skills. Unique to our program is incorporating the African Value System, "Nguzo Saba." Each month, we focus on one of these seven principles to promote the building of strong communities based on ancestral heritage and generational growth. Traditionally, we have an annual Kwanzaa Celebration in December.
It is our job to keep the children safe and it is their job to help us keep it that way. Discipline is meant to teach and children will be engaged in a learning process when issues arise. During early childhood, we believe that behavior is a part of a child's learning development and staff will seek to stimulate children through well planned, individualized activities that promote self-regulation and conduct that is age appropriate. All individuals will be expected to cooperate in respecting the safety, welfare, and rights of others. Discipline will not be associated with food, rest, toileting or the revocation of outdoor play. Spanking or any other form of physical punishment is prohibited by staff and parents while in the center. Children who present behavior that is a danger to themselves or others may need to be physically moved by center staff. In such case, we will do so with care and caution.
Nguzo Saba: The African Value System
Kujichagulia means Self-Determination
Ujima means Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujaama means Cooperative Economics
Nia means Purpose
Kuumba means Creativity
Imani means Faith
Approved curricula Integrated at FAMU- ERCCD
More About Our Program
Our VPK staff have degrees in Early Childhood Education or the equivalent and can appropriately recognize the growth and developmental stages of young children who will be entering Kindergarten. VPK staff create lesson plans geared to the individual needs of each child in accordance with the Florida Early Learning Standards for four-year-olds. At FAMU-ERCCD, we offer young children opportunities to gain self-confidence and self-respect while maximizing their capabilities and strengthening their limitations. While integrating daily lessons with a multiplicity of resources, we are able to teach children about their cultural heritage and to appreciate diversity while introducing fundamental early childhood concepts and kindergarten readiness skills.
Unique to our program is incorporating the African Value System, the“Nguzo Saba.” Each month, we focus on one of these seven principles to promote the building of strong communities based on ancestral heritage and generational growth; traditionally, we have an annual Kwanzaa Celebration in December. In May, the children will commemorate their preschool years with "Graduation," and this includes a variety of celebratory activities.
- A change of clothes (labeled in a Ziploc bag to be left in the cubby until used)
- Rest materials (blanket, pillow)
- Homework or family activities assigned by the teacher
As we are preparing our children for routine and "school readiness" structure, please note that:
- Families must sign in children and have them in their class by 9:00 a.m. Late arrivals will not be tolerated. Absences should be limited and/or pre-arranged.
- Toys, electronic devices, and extra snacks should be coordinated and are permitted by request from the teacher for show and tell, or class activities. ERCCD provides three nutritious meals daily.
- Homework is to be completed by the child with adult guidance and support. Please keep the work folder and assignments clean. Set a routine to regularly review your child's learning and areas of growth.
- Uniform clothing should promote self-help and independence; for example: bottoms that zip, snap or have drawstrings, and shoes with Velcro or slip-on's are easier for the children while they learn increased hand control and shoe-tying.
