Advanced Early Learning

Center On The Developing Child - Harvard University

Harvard University’s groundbreaking research in neuroscience and epigenetics have proven that the very “architecture” of the brain is affected most greatly during early childhood.

“Early learning experiences affect not only school readiness, but life readiness”

– Dr Jack P. Shonkoff, Founder/Director, Center On The Developing Child, Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston

CFA is a pioneer in utilizing the most advanced teaching techniques which maximize brain development, i.e. the process of learning takes into account all the facets of learning.

For example, in an early childhood setting, the curriculum consists of a language game AND an art activity; it is also the spontaneous investigation of fluids at snack time, the song that accompanies digging in the sand, the teacher’s explanation of why the hamster died. A two-year-old is more interested in the process of pouring milk than drinking it. A preschooler is more absorbed in watching a snail make its way across the sidewalk instead of listening to instructions on running relays.

This approach to early learning allows for experimentation, problem solving, higher-order thinking, language enrichment, development of emotional intelligence, etc.

See gallery for pictures of our Caterpillar to Butterfly project.

Pikler

Pikler is a name associated worldwide with a specialized focus on caring for and raising infants. No other school in Chicago incorporates this world-renowned program. Pikler is uniquely designed to touch every aspect of an infant’s life and development leading to the total well-being of every baby.

“Hands constitute the infants first connection to the world. Hands pick the infant up, lay him/her down, wash, dress, and feed him/her. What a wonderful picture of the outside world an infant has when quiet, patient, careful, yet secure hands take care of him/her. On the other hand, how different the world must seem when these hands are impatient, rough, hasty, unquiet, and nervous.”

– Dr. Emmi Pikler

CFA is proud to be the first school in Chicago to offer the Piklerian Pedagogy, strategically focusing on your infant/toddler’s cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.

Love & Logic®

Child First Academy is committed to partnering with parents in raising responsible children. One way we do this is teaching with Love & Logic®, which is a time tested, classroom tested, and family tested approach to teaching and parenting.

The 9 Essential Skills of Teaching With Love & Logic® are:

• Skill 1: Provide a peaceful classroom environment by neutralizing arguments

• Skill 2: Use delayed consequences as an effective way to prevent misbehavior

• Skill 3: Apply empathy – empathy soaks up emotion

• Skill 4: Preserve the learning environment when there is a disruption

• Skill 5: Build positive and cooperative teacher/child relationships

• Skill 6: Set limits without reminders, repeated warnings, or lectures

• Skill 7: Use choices to prevent power struggles

• Skill 8: Provide a foundation of accountability for poor behavior

• Skill 9: Guide children to own and solve their problems

Choosy Kids

“Movement is the avenue through which children learn about themselves and the world around them.”

– Dr. Linda Carson

It is unfortunate that the motor development of young children is often left to chance…but not at Child First Academy. Choosy Kids – a nationally acclaimed and award winning program for early childhood – offers a limitless number of creative movements all to the tunes of award winning music. Studies have shown that during early childhood, discovering and exploring movement contributes to overall motor skills development by laying a foundation for body management abilities needed in childhood games, recreational activities, and youth sports. In addition, early and appropriate movement experiences help create neural networks in the developing brain. In otherwards, basic intelligence is nurtured.

Organic Nutrition

“Nutrition and child development are inextricably linked”

– AAP

We have made it our aim at CFA to provide nutritious meals for your child. But more than just nutritious, the meals are delicious and enjoyable for children. The early years are an ideal time for your child to begin establishing good eating habits that will encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Imagination Playground

“Imagination is more important than knowledge”

– Albert Einstein

Imagination Playground is one of the most unique and exciting programs we offer your child at Child First Academy. In an age of childhood obesity and children tethered to electronic devices, we believe at CFA that the playground has rarely been more important. Imagination Playground is a dynamic playground designed to transform the life of your child through active creative play. CFA is proud to be the only school in Chicago featuring the Imagination Playground.

Enrichment Programs

Organic Gardening

“A Garden serves as a classroom, gym, lab, community center – and a place of peace” – LaManda Joy

EQ (Emotional Intelligence In Early Childhood)

“Learn to manage your emotional life with intelligence” – Aristotle

Technology

“The computer makes things equal – it gives all children a chance to be good at something” - Chip Donohue

Technology at CFA is proactive in teaching children the balance between 2D (what they see on the screen) and 3D (what they live and create in the real world).

Language

The benefits of learning a foreign language include enhanced brain development, increased capacity for reasoning, enhanced overall verbal skills in all languages, etc.

Fine Arts

“Art touches the whole child – The spirit of a child is in the things a child makes…true education helps every child discover and revel in that spirit.” – Friedrich Froebel, known as the father of kindergarten

The visual arts is a primary way to expand the curriculum. Your child will enjoy painting, ceramics, mosaics, pottery, photography, videography, drama, etc.

Music

“Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. A child can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.” – Shinichi Suzuki

Dance

“Children: They dance before they learn there is anything that isn’t music” – William Stafford

Parent Education

The health and well-being of every child is of paramount concern at Child First Academy. CFA provides multiple opportunities for parent participation, parent education seminars and workshops, parents night out, etc.