Kimberly Choate - DirectorMy role as director of FCLC began in 2015. My choosing to be an early childhood educator was a simple decision due to the passion I have to educate children and families. I received my B. A. in Early Childhood Education and Psychology: Human Development in December of 2004. At that time, I also received my teaching certificate from the Illinois State Board of Education for Early Childhood with a Special Education endorsement. I completed my M. Ed. in Childcare Administration in 2021. I have always enjoyed my role as teacher or director in the child care industry over the past 26 years because I believe supporting children along with the family unit in a key to child development. Being able to support children and parents in developing healthy relationships is of great importance to me. I am an advocate for teaching children and families the importance of social and emotional development of young children. When I am at home, I spend my time with my son going on new adventures and creating messy projects. The messier the better
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A note from Kimberly Choate on the learning philosophy:
Emergent curriculum is a philosophy of teaching and way of planning curriculum that focuses on responsiveness to children's interests in creating meaningful learning experiences. It is a way of teaching that can be practiced at any age level. Rooted in the work of noted early childhood theorists like Dewey, Piaget and Vygotsky, emergent curriculum is defined as a process where teachers plan activities and projects based on the specific group of children they are working with, taking into account their skills, needs, and interests.
For these reasons, First Congregational Learning Center has chosen to use an emergent curriculum in each of our four classrooms. We are able to plan, develop and implement a curriculum that is meaningful to the children and families we serve.
A balance is maintained between structured, free choice and planned free-choice activities in all classrooms. Each developmental area is recognized as crucial in early child development with lesson plans aligned with the Illinois Early Learning Standards.
Because your child’s first five years are so important, we want to help you provide the best start for your child.
Emergent curriculum is a philosophy of teaching and way of planning curriculum that focuses on responsiveness to children's interests in creating meaningful learning experiences. It is a way of teaching that can be practiced at any age level. Rooted in the work of noted early childhood theorists like Dewey, Piaget and Vygotsky, emergent curriculum is defined as a process where teachers plan activities and projects based on the specific group of children they are working with, taking into account their skills, needs, and interests.
For these reasons, First Congregational Learning Center has chosen to use an emergent curriculum in each of our four classrooms. We are able to plan, develop and implement a curriculum that is meaningful to the children and families we serve.
A balance is maintained between structured, free choice and planned free-choice activities in all classrooms. Each developmental area is recognized as crucial in early child development with lesson plans aligned with the Illinois Early Learning Standards.
- Structured activities include: storytelling, art, music, lunch, outdoor and indoor games, cooking, science exploration, nature, field trips and other group activities that are teacher-directed.
- Free-choice activities include: blocks and construction, dramatic play, sensory table, art and writing, computer, snack, quiet areas and manipulatives.
- Planned free choice is: free play within a special planned environment. Teachers creatively add to or change the classroom environment to stimulate the development of children.
Because your child’s first five years are so important, we want to help you provide the best start for your child.