OPEN HOUSE: YCIS Early Years Programme

For parents looking to learn more about YCIS Early Childhood Education Programme, mark your calendar for this educational information session where you can meet school leaders and gain a better understanding about the curriculum and ethos of the school.

The Early Childhood Education Information Session will be held on Thursday April 27, 2017 from 2:30-4pm. Register here.

ABOUT YCIS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMME:

Yew Chung has been providing quality international education to the learners of Hong Kong for more than 80 years.

Originally specializing in early childhood education, Yew Chung International School (YCIS) now provides education from early childhood through primary and secondary culminating in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

Their Chinese and Western Co-Principals co-operate to create a school culture where Eastern and Western values and education models are equally regarded by the whole school community.

Co-teaching effectively facilitates the bilingual learning environment where both Chinese and English languages are equally valued. Each class has an experienced early years team, comprising one English speaking and one Chinese teacher who plan together for the learning needs of individual children. They provide an enabling environment where children interact naturally, feel comfortable about their own identity, language and culture, and begin to move easily between cultures. Such an achievement contributes positively towards a child’s future success in school, and later, functioning well in a global world.

INFANT & TODDLER LEARNING PROGRAMME (ITLP):

Infant and Toddler Learning Programme (ITLP) is provided for children who are six months to two years of age. Children attend with a familiar family member.

Being part of a group

Children play side by side in a bilingual environment that offers many choices. Sometimes they are engaged for short periods, before quickly moving on to new activities. The children are often drawn to adults who respectfully join in the play and activities.

Learning language

Co-Teachers respond to children’s early words, gestures or sounds, recognizing their attempt to communicate in different ways. Exposure to books, to actions, feelings, songs and favorite toys, all stimulate language.

Play and learning

Active play is provided through sensory exploration, climbing, music and dancing, and through enabling children to move between inside and outside environments. Art activities are usually about the experience with the materials and books; favorite activities and songs are often repeated.

THREE & FOUR YEARS PROGRAMME:

A whole day programme is provided five days a week for preschool aged children from three to five years.

Developing positive relationships

The most important learning that occurs in the preschool years (ages 3 and 4) is facilitating children’s social and emotional development. The ability to understand and control one’s own emotions, to develop meaningful relationships, to persist in the face of frustration or disappointment, and to conform to social expectations are supported by sensitive, and skilled early years teachers.

Responding to children’s interests

Frequent opportunities are provided daily for children to choose and explore.  Children are provided with extended periods of play in order to follow their own interests in a safe environment. The learning environment is intentionally prepared to expand knowledge and respond to children’s interests as they inquire about the world in which they live.

Developing skills through meaningful activities

The concepts and skills that are important for preschool learning are embedded in meaningful activities in the indoor and outdoor environments. Children see themselves as readers and writers as they retell favorite stories and express themselves through drawing, mark making, and sometimes writing. They frequently dictate stories or tell teachers what to write about their drawings. They produce art, music and movement, as well as their own constructions and designs to express their creative and intellectual thoughts. Building with blocks, cooking, sand, and water play – all provide opportunities to learn and practice the skills of mathematics and the concepts of scientific discovery.

What:  Information session introducing families to the Early Childhood Education at YCIS.

When: Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 2:30 to 4pm.