All programs offer the following:

• Creative Curriculum
  Daniel Island Academy selected The Creative Curriculum®, a NAEYC-approved curriculum of excellence, to complement our school’s child-centered approach to learning. A play-based curriculum, this program utilizes classroom environment and center activities as key components in the learning process. Our curriculum includes a balanced schedule of planned activities and free choice; quiet time and physical play; individual attention and group activities. We ensure a high level of one-on-one interaction by maintaining low child-to-teacher ratios.
• Conscious Discipline
  Conscious Discipline is a school-wide behavior management system that leads teachers and schools by promoting behavioral changes through relationships rather than the traditional roles of discipline. The success of this behavior management program is developing a sense of community with positive communication, respect, cooperation and safety.
• Reference Point Assessments (Map out your child’s strengths)
  Reference Point is Daniel Island Academy’s proprietary assessment program that provides a comprehensive educational portfolio for each child at Daniel Island Academy. It is used to map out each student’s educational and developmental strengths. This process involves one-on-one developmental screenings with a developmental specialist. Motor, social and adaptive skills, language and early learning are all assessed. The data from these assessments provides information for families to better understand how their child is developing, what developmental skills they are learning and fun ideas to help nurture this at home.

This program is specifically designed for children who are 12- 24 months of age at the start of the school year. The group size remains small allowing children and teachers to create strong bonds and to trust their caregivers. At this age, children learn to feel safe and comfortable by following a schedule. They cannot tell time, so they begin to understand and make sense of their day by knowing what happens next. Another important aspect of toddler development is the school/home communication. The teachers communicate daily in many different ways. We require parents/caregivers to drop-off and pick-up in the classroom daily, which facilitates a higher degree of communication with classroom teachers. Daily sheets keep the parent informed of all activities from the day.

Our Two Year Old Program is specifically designed for children who are 24-36 months of age at the start of the school year. Two-year-olds are in a stage of transition, moving from the dependence of being a toddler to the more independent, mobile world of preschoolers. Our program encourages their growing need for independence, and for children to verbally express their feelings and emotions. The program provides opportunities for each child to build on their own strengths and expanding interests through well developed learning centers, outdoor time, meal time, story time and rest time.

Our Three Year Old Program is specifically designed for children 36-48 months of age at the start of the school year, with focuses on creating more independent and active learners. We encourage this by increased vocabulary development, physical coordination, higher level thinking and increased social skills. This program requires students be potty training proficient. The program provides opportunities for each child to build on their own strengths and expanding interests through well developed learning centers, outdoor time, meal time, story time and rest time.

Our Four Year Old (Pre-K) Program is specifically designed for children who are 48-60 months of age at the start of the school year, with a focus on continued growth in each area of development. An in-depth and focused curriculum allows children to expand their cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills in preparation for kindergarten. Throughout their day, children have opportunities to make self-directed and guided choices, participate in small groups and projects and creative play.

(August – July) *ALL programs*
This option provides year-round care and includes Summer of Discovery.

(August – May) *3’s and 4’s eligible ONLY*
This option allows families the benefit of a traditional summer recess. 10-month students must register for Summer of Discovery to attend DIA during June and July.

Enrollment option change requests must be submitted by January 1st (applicable fees will be accrued/credited accordingly).

(June & July) *included in all 12-month programs*
Students will explore new concepts in an exciting and innovative format within a school-wide theme each month. Water Days are incorporated into each classroom’s weekly schedule (on site – courtyard). SOD will not affect or guarantee future enrollment.

Registration begins in April of each year.