​OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Our primary focus is enhancing oral language, early reading, and cognitive skills of preschool-age children while educating and modeling for parents how to be their child’s first teacher and strongest advocate. At The Learning Collaborative, we provide content-rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessments along with continuing education and professional development for our teachers and staff.
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 Curriculum at TLC revolves around research-based strategies for improving language and literacy development among young children. We have a 35 year record validating the accomplishments of the children and families during their time with us. We continually strive to add depth to our program.

CREATIVE CURRICULUM

'This research-based, content-rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum delivers academic rigor alongside social-emotional learning and cognitive development. And, it brings meaningful interactions and learning to life in your classroom regardless of configuration – traditional, remote, or a hybrid version.' 

​NC PRE-KINDERGARTEN

The Learning Collaborative is an NC Pre-Kindergarten program site. We currently have two NC Pre-K classes serving 32 children in all. Initiated by Governor Mike Easley, NC Pre-K is a voluntary pre-kindergarten program designed to prepare at-risk four-year-olds in North Carolina for success in school. High-quality childcare centers partner to provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum and structured environment for students.
To be eligible for the NC Pre-K program, children must:

• Be four years old by August 31st and be eligible for kindergarten the following year.
• Be a resident of Mecklenburg County
• Meet the income requirements as set by the state of North Carolina. Children of active duty military families are also eligible.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Pre-Kindergarten Programs provide a rich, child-centered, literacy-focused program that incorporates and encourages parent involvement. We invite parent involvement through:

• Home Visits
• Parent Orientations
• Parent – Teacher Conferences
• Classroom Visits
• Volunteering
• Parent Workshops and Training
• Family Reading program

The CMS Pre-Kindergarten curriculum, Creative Curriculum, incorporates all domains of learning, including social-emotional, cognitive, language, communication, and physical development. This comprehensive curriculum integrates language and literacy skills through rich content in social studies and science, favorite children’s books, non-fiction books, songs, and poems.
 The language skills in Creative Curriculum include conversation (speaking and listening), vocabulary development, book and print awareness, phonemic awareness, letter identification, and writing. Integrated mathematics skills include number sense, numeration, spatial sense, measurement, geometry, and patterns. Science and social studies and the arts are woven throughout the day.
NC Pre-K Creative Curriculum provides the tools to implement six thematically organized units, Family, Friends, Wind and Water, the World of Color, Shadows, and Reflections, and Things That Grow. The content of each unit is built around a carefully crafted, active daily routine. The regular schedule includes a Morning Meeting, center time, storytime, Songs, Word Play and Letters, small groups, and Let’s Find Out About It. Activities within these components are designed to encourage conversations, social skills, and concept knowledge. In addition to language, literacy, and math skills, participation in NC Pre-K fosters the development of the whole child. 
https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/pre-kservices/Pages/default.aspx

SUMMER LITERACY CAMP

The average three-year-old who enters The Learning Collaborative scores in the 25th percentile in the area of language on developmental tests. Our work focuses on building skills and supporting developmental growth. To keep the schoolyear momentum going, TLC offers a 5-week Summer Literacy Camp to reduce the effects of 'summer slide'.  Camp is open to all current or incoming TLC students. Our speech-language therapist from Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center is on-site daily. This literacy-rich, fun program is perfect for preschoolers to hone those pre-literacy skills and continue on the path of school readiness!

if you are a family living in Grier Heights and would like more info, please contact Lizzie Carson, [email protected].
Summer Literacy Camp enrollment begins in May.