Preschool Curriculum

Fridley Preschool is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and is the only 3- and 4-year-old program in the state to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) to young learners. In addition, our preschool curriculum has been written to encompass several areas of inquiry and is aligned with Minnesota’s Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs). The ECIPs are Minnesota’s early learning standards that provide a framework for developmentally appropriate expectations from birth to kindergarten. They also align to the Minnesota Kindergarten Academic Standards. 
 

Fridley Preschool 3- and 4-year-old Transdisciplinary Themes include:

Who we are
An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

How we express ourselves 
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How the world works 
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

Where we are in place and time 
An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

How we organize ourselves 
An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Sharing the planet 
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. 
 

Central Features of Fridley Preschool Curriculum

Fridley Preschool delivers a high-quality education to our students, focusing on Social and Emotional Learning, Mathematics, and Literacy. Your child will develop a love for learning while building a solid foundation for their educational journey.

Teachers support learning in the early years of the IB PYP Programme by:
• Planning uninterrupted time for play.
• Building strong relationships with students and their families.
• Creating and maintaining responsive spaces for play.
• Offering many opportunities for symbolic exploration and expression.

Additionally, our preschool promotes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile values:

• Inquirers
• Risk-takers
• Knowledgeable
• Balanced
• Reflective
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Caring
• Principled
• Open-minded

preparing for kindergarten

‘Kindergarten Readiness’ is a term often used when talking about entering kindergarten.  Our 3- and 4-year-old preschool programs are designed to provide your child with the necessary learning experiences to be ready for kindergarten. Utilizing an approach that aligns with our district’s International Baccalaureate program, your child will participate in learning that will enrich his or her educational journey. As your child progresses through our preschool program, these indicators will be used to ensure a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond.