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Welcome to ISD Early Years

In Early Years, we use the PYP Early Years framework to guide our curriculum. It provides an inquiry-driven, play-based program where children are empowered to be active participants in their own learning. Through play, our children inquire, question, wonder and theorize about themselves, others and the world around them.

With 130 students from several different nationalities in Early Years, we’re proud of our diverse and inclusive school community. Our Early Childhood program serves students in Playgroup (age 2) - to Kindergarten (age 5), and is on a dedicated developmentally appropriate campus.

We focus on enhancing children's natural curiosity about the world around them. We value the uniqueness of each child as a learner and the need to create an environment that is safe and secure. Establishing positive relationships is vital to success for our children and their families, who entrust us to provide a setting that values fostering a strong home-school connection.

As early childhood educators, we are open-minded and culturally sensitive. We individualize learning outcomes which include a differentiated approach to the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes as each child builds on their working theories of the world they inhabit.  We use their prior knowledge and previous experiences as a basis for further learning, as together we engage in authentic instructional experiences. Finding a balance between the academic, physical, social, and emotional development within our play-based environment is an integral part of early childhood education.

I am sure your connection with ISD Early Years will be a positive one and we look forward to working in partnership with you.
 

I am sure your connection with ISD Early Years will be a positive one and we look forward to working in partnership with you.

In Early Years we use the PYP framework to guide our curriculum. Our children are encouraged to be active and take thoughtful risks, to recognize their own accomplishments, to take responsibility for their actions and to develop resilience and positive self-esteem. Our teachers are co-learners, collaborators, researchers and facilitators of learning. We follow the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) curriculum.

Early Years Sensory Zone

Our Early Years now has a sensory room, commonly referred to as the Sensory Zone. The Sensory Zone is a space that supports children to regulate their mind and body by creating a calming environment as a response to and prevention of sensory overload. The area supports children by encouraging sensory stimulation, supporting emotional well-being, and provides a safe space to practice coping skills and emotional regulation strategies.

The Sensory Zone contains a variety of features to regulate children. This space invites children to sit on cushions or in the darkened tent while listening to gentle music, breathing in calming aromatherapy scents, and engaging their sense of touch with a variety of tactile materials. Mesmerizing bubble tubes and dazzling fiber optic lights provide a visually calming experience. After working through their emotions and focusing themselves, children are better prepared for learning and interacting with others.

Outdoor Play Area

Our newly refurbished outdoor play area truly allows our students to learn through play.

Unit CelebrationS

Pre k Makerspace-inspired celebration

Our Pre-K students invited family and friends to come and join them in a Makerspace-inspired celebration as part of their How We Organize Ourselves Unit of Inquiry. Students explored with parents how to build and make transportation using different materials such as playdough and recycled resources.

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Hands On Discovery

The young learners explored the properties and uses of different materials with the help of their families. From melting, molding, and mixing-students observed how materials transform and demonstrated their growing understanding of form and function.

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Sharing the Planet

Delve into the world of Green with the tiny tots Nursery students at ISD as they explore their latest Unit of Inquiry: Sharing the Planet. Students and parents truly had fun being a part of an Eco-friendly Fashion Show!

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AGE AND GRADE LEVEL CHART FOR EARLY YEARS

Age of Child ISD Grade Level
2+ Playgroup
3+ Nursery
4+ Pre-Kindergarten
5+ Kindergarten

Our Schools

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Early years

Early Years provides our 3 – 5 year old students with a play-based approach to teaching and learning.

Primary

A dynamic, creative, technology-rich and inquiry-based learning environment awaits our 6 -10 year olds.

A young girl with braided hair is standing in a classroom, reaching up towards a colorful display on the wall.

Secondary

A rich and varied co-curricular program complements a rigorous academic program for our 14 - 18 year olds, preparing them for that important next step.

A young man wearing a striped shirt is intently focused on a laptop computer, surrounded by various electronic components and devices in what appears to be a workspace or study area.