Educational Philosophy

The John Jay Children’s Center allows all children the opportunity to be accepted, appreciated, and develop the confidence necessary to become successful and productive world citizens. Within this context, children can freely express themselves in nuanced and creative ways. Strong emphasis is placed on exploration, discovery, independence, personal satisfaction and self-motivation.

The Children's Center of John Jay College uses The Creative Curriculum as its primary instructional tool for children ages infant to pre-school. The Creative Curriculum features a daily routine that encourages children to engage and become active and creative learners in a developmentally appropriate  learning environment. 

The curriculum utilizes materials and methods that best suit young children’s needs and interests either in individual or group activities. It naturally includes many activities that allow the children self-expression and creativity.

Child observation techniques, emphasis on parent involvement and professional development are other major components of the Creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum is divided into four key components: Daily Routine, Learning Environment, Adult-Child Interaction, and Assessment.  

The key component of the Creative Curriculum is active learning based on a consistent daily routine. This gives children the control necessary to develop a sense of responsibility, and to enjoy the experience of being independent. Educators at The Children’s Center focus on key elements of the daily routine such as planning, work time, and recall time.  Additionally, the daily routine also includes small and large group activities, physical/gross motor activities, and story time. Through key adult-child interactions and observations, educators gauge each child’s progress and overall development, assisting them in problem solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution.

The Creative Curriculum allows for both child-initiated and teacher-directed learning experiences. In an experiential learning environment adults support and extend each child's learning. Using the COR Advantage Assessment tool, teachers  track children’s progress using daily observations, developmentally appropriate lessons, progress reports and promote parent involvement and engagement.

Contact us

Linda Soleyn, Director
ChildrensCenter@jjay.cuny.edu