Preschool Online Learning Library
Welcome to the Quincy Public Schools Early Childhood Online Learning Library. To begin exploring our information and links for parents and teachers of young children, just click on a title!
Our Philosophy
Quincy Public Schools recognizes early childhood education as an important foundation for success in future endeavors. We are committed to the provision of high quality programming for young children.
An understanding of the way children learn has guided curricular decisions in our programs. Because children learn best when they feel that their environment is predictable and safe, organization and routines are essential. Because there are both predictable stages in development and individual differences in learning rate, style, and ability, activities are designed to address a variety of needs. Because of our commitment to the principle that children are active learners, we strive for child-centered classes. Opportunities are provided for exploration and manipulation of materials, emphasizing the process rather than the product. Children's pride in their discoveries and creations fosters their self-esteem, which is an essential tool for academic success.
The role of adults in the programs is very important. There are times in which direct instruction is appropriate, but many classroom experiences are carefully planned so that children have the opportunity to construct their own knowledge through interaction with materials. During these activities, teachers facilitate and extend learning by asking questions and making suggestions to stimulate thinking.
Special emphasis in our programs is on teaching and modeling social responsibility and non-violent conflict resolution skills. A multi-cultural, anti-bias curriculum is used in helping children learn to respect differences.
We use a variety of assessment techniques. Informal and formal observations, sampling of children's work, and developmental checklists are used to systematically document progress over time and to develop curriculum. Standardized testing is used to formulate individualized educational plans when developmental delays are a concern. The purpose of all of our assessments is to support the efforts of teachers and family to better understand, appreciate, and respond to children.
Our goal is to collaborate with the home and community for an enhanced learning experience. Cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development during the early childhood years will provide a foundation for the life-long learning process.
Trash to Treasure
We are always looking for "trash" that we can recycle into "treasure." Rather than throw it away, donate it to us! If you have items to donate, please send an email with contact info and we'll get back to you...
- keys
- yarn
- buttons
- bread tags
- coffee cans
- egg cartons
- film canisters
- small wood scraps
- clothing for dress-up
- containers from mini M&M's
- bubble wrap packaging material
- empty plastic or metal spice containers
- matte board scraps (from picture framing)
- extra ceramic tile, wall paper, or PVC pipe
- empty “Chubs stackables” baby wipes boxes
- plastic “snap caps” from bottles of milk, juice, or water
- playing cards (some poker players only use a deck once!)
- empty bottles from Salon Selectives Air-Infused Styling Foam (#10)
- empty cardboard tubes from paper towels, tape, etc. (not from toilet paper)
- empty cardboard cylinder containers from oatmeal, cornmeal, etc.
- any possible collage materials (ribbon, fabric scraps, greeting cards, . . .)