Early Learning Center
(3 to 5 years old)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for early years is designed for children aged 3 to 5. It focuses on nurturing young learners' natural curiosity and promoting their development in a holistic way. While the Early Years is part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), it has specific features tailored to the needs of early learners. Here are the key elements of the IB Early Years Programme:

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1. Holistic Development
The EYP emphasizes the development of the whole child, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. It aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive.

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2. Play-Based Learning
Play is a central component of the EYP. Through play, children explore, experiment, discover, and solve problems in imaginative and engaging ways. Play-based learning supports cognitive and social development and helps children develop critical thinking and communication skills.

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3. Inquiry-Based Approach
The EYP encourages children to ask questions, explore their environment, and engage in hands-on activities. This inquiry-based approach helps develop their curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.

 

4. Transdisciplinary Themes
The curriculum is organized around six transdisciplinary themes, similar to the PYP, but adapted for younger learners:

- Who We Are
- Where We Are in Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How the World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing the Planet

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These themes allow children to make connections across different areas of learning and understand their world.

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5. Conceptual Understanding
The EYP focuses on key concepts that are broad and abstract, helping children to develop deep understanding and transfer their learning to new contexts. Concepts include form, function, causation, change, connection, perspective, responsibility, and reflection.

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6. Learning Environments
The EYP emphasizes the importance of creating stimulating and inviting learning environments. Classrooms are designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs and interests of young children, encouraging exploration and discovery.

 

7. Teacher's Role
Teachers in the EYP act as facilitators and guides. They observe children's interests and provide opportunities for exploration and learning. They create a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and independence.

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8. Family Involvement
The EYP recognizes the crucial role of families in children's development. It encourages strong partnerships between educators and families, promoting communication and collaboration to support children's learning and well-being.

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9. Assessment
Assessment in the EYP is ongoing and formative. Teachers observe and document children's learning experiences, providing feedback and planning future activities based on their observations. This approach helps to track individual progress and development.

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10. IB Learner Profile
Even at this early age, the EYP aims to develop attributes of the IB Learner Profile, nurturing children to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.

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11. Language Development
The EYP places a strong emphasis on language development. Children are encouraged to express themselves through various forms of communication, including speaking, listening, drawing, and writing. Multilingualism is often supported, respecting the linguistic diversity of the learners.

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12. Physical Well-being
Physical activity and well-being are integral parts of the EYP. Children are given opportunities to develop their motor skills, coordination, and overall health through structured and unstructured physical activities.

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The IB Early Years Programme aims to create a foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing young children's natural curiosity and fostering their development in a supportive and stimulating environment.