Aligned with New York State’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) framework, which emphasizes play-based, inquiry-driven learning across multiple developmental domains, Jowonio incorporates principles of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) into its curriculum to ensure that learning experiences meet children where they are. We challenge them enough to grow while respecting their individual pace and abilities.
The Power of Play and Self-Direction
Play and self-directed learning are the center of Jowonio’s programs and curriculum. Our classrooms provide a range of opportunities for kids to engage and play on their own terms with goals connected to the curriculum that we’re teaching.
Research shows that young children learn best through hands-on, active engagement with their environment, peers, and educators. Through play, children develop essential skills in problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Play fosters independence, curiosity, and resilience—key qualities that set the stage for lifelong success.
Through carefully planned activities and open-ended exploration, we create opportunities for children to:
- Engage in meaningful, self-directed learning that allows them to follow their interests and make choices.
- Build critical thinking skills through exploration, discovery, and problem-solving.
- Develop strong social-emotional skills by working collaboratively, expressing their feelings, and learning to navigate peer interactions.
- Strengthen language and communication through storytelling, dramatic play, and interactive discussions.
Assessment
While each child progresses at their own pace, we routinely monitor development in social-emotional, communication, motor, cognitive, literacy, mathematics, and other key learning areas. Parents receive progress updates at least twice per year, reinforcing a strong home-school partnership to support each child’s unique learning journey.
Key components of our approach include:
Social and Emotional Development
We help children build self-regulation, empathy, and confidence while fostering positive relationships in an inclusive setting. Positive interactions and relationships are fundamental for children’s learning and success in school and in life; social-emotional competence is a significant factor in positive school experiences. We help students understand and have strategies for managing and expressing their emotions, to develop empathy and compassion for others, and to have positive approaches to social problem-solving and self-advocacy. These skills are directly taught through teacher-led activities utilizing both Second Step, a nationally recognized evidence based social skills curriculum, and program-developed strategies, as well as planful modeling and support while children are engaged in play.
Communication, Language, and Literacy
Our literacy approach aligns with the New York State Core Body of Knowledge standards. We support early literacy through rich conversations, storytelling, interactive read-alouds, and exposure to print in meaningful ways.
Mathematics and Cognitive Development
We encourage hands-on exploration of number sense, patterns, measurement, and problem-solving through real-world applications and play-based activities.
Science, Technology, and Inquiry-Based Learning
We inspire curiosity and critical thinking through observation, experimentation, and discovery. We recognize and celebrate the value of nature and the outdoors on children’s self-regulation as well as building a wealth of science skills, and classrooms spend a good deal of time engaged in outdoor activities.
Physical Development and Health
We promote motor skill development, self-care routines, and healthy habits through movement, outdoor play, and active engagement. We have a commitment to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Each day includes free and adult-structured movement inside, in classrooms, the gym, the Secret Garden, and Enchanted Forest, as well as outdoors. We have a wonderful outdoor space that includes our playground, Trike Town, and a nature trail, Sarah’s Path, with the Play Perch tree house. A fenced yard in the front of the school creates a safe space for periodic activities such as water play, ball games, and our annual summer carnival. Outdoor play is encouraged year-round, except when rain, bitter cold, or excessive heat prevents it.
Creative Arts and Expression
Art experiences at Jowonio focus on the creative process rather than the product, providing children with opportunities for self-expression through music, movement, visual arts, and imaginative play.
Field Trips
We have two school vans that allow each classroom the opportunity to access enriching spaces in the community on a bi-weekly basis. Field trip destinations are chosen to highlight and expand on classroom themes, as well as to offer opportunities to explore different parks, playgrounds, and spaces of interest. Parents are notified of upcoming trips through the classroom’s weekly schedule/newsletter, and we welcome parents joining us.