Early Childhood
Fundamental skills and whole-child development.
At YCIS, our early childhood programme engages our students in a supportive, bilingual learning environment where our teachers work closely with parents to develop confident, caring and curious young learners. The focus in these early years is on developing the whole child, building character, and instilling personal and social values that will support students for life.
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) programme at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai) provides a nurturing environment for children aged two to five.
Our international curriculum allows children to discover the joy of learning through a balance of play and structured activities. This nurtures each child's growth and fosters social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative development.
Children are at the heart of the ECE programme: their needs determine the teaching content and their interests steer the learning experiences we offer.
For us, it is essential that children see themselves as competent learners and know that they are valued and understood.
Bilingual Learning Environment
The unique Co-Teaching model at YCIS Shanghai effectively facilitates our bilingual learning environment in which both Chinese and English languages are equally valued. Each class has an experienced, qualified Early Years team, comprising one native English-speaking and one native Chinese-speaking teacher, to provide the children with an immersive, bilingual experience.
Additional Benefits of Our Co-Teaching Model
The Co-Teachers in our ECE programme provide the children with an enabling environment where they can:
- Interact naturally with their teachers and classmates;
- Feel comfortable about their own identity, language, and culture;
- And begin to move quickly between cultures.
Such an experience contributes positively toward a child's future ability in school and later success in an increasingly globalised world.
A Valued Partnership
At YCIS Shanghai, we value our responsibility to our children and families. We value the strong partnership with our parents and encourage their involvement in their child's learning journey.
The Kindergarten Two's (K2) programme at YCIS Shanghai provides a nurturing environment for children aged two to three. Our families have the option of either a half-day or whole day learning programme, five days a week.
Co-Teachers and Small Class Sizes
The young children in our K2 classes experience the joy of learning with the support of two experienced and qualified Early Years Co-Teachers and one full-time classroom assistant. The Co-Teachers, one Western and one Chinese, plan together for the learning needs of each individual child.
With a maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8, each student in K2 receives individualised care and attention. This helps every child develop to his or her full potential.
The Co-Teachers share roles and responsibilities regarding resource preparation and planning, and working with all of the children in the class. Each child's voice must be heard and we strive to meet their needs and interests cohesively and purposefully.
Learning through Play
In K2, we utilise the "Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage" curriculum framework from the UK to guide our planning and practice and to consistently reflect on the achievements and goals of the children in our classes. Learning through play is a vital part of this experience. Exploring, actively engaging, and creating are highly important in our play-based curriculum. The children's development is visible through their Learning Portfolios and our class blogs.
We provide open-ended resources and materials to engage children in various activities and play experiences. These experiences contribute to their skills and knowledge across all developmental areas and provide a solid foundation for their future learning as they move up to our K3 programme.
A Truly Bilingual Experience
Children in our K2 programme are completely immersed in a fully bilingual learning environment, where their English and Chinese language skills are equally developed.
Our Co-Teaching model combines Eastern and Western cultures in an efficient and engaging way in all day-to-day activities. The use and understanding of both languages are equally respected and evolve in each learning situation through play, routines, group learning, and conversation. In some instances, the children will be engaged in English, occasionally Chinese, and other times in both.
In this setting, the children develop confidence in their verbal skills and become comfortable moving between cultures.
Developing Other Essential Skills
Our Co-Teachers encourage the children's personal, social and emotional development by focusing on fundamental interactions, such as waiting, taking turns, and sharing. They speak to the children on these topics and model these skills for them through their interactions.
Children feel competent when they have had opportunities to practise new skills through meaningful activities. They are offered appropriate choices throughout the day, honing their decision-making skills as they explore freely.
A Warm Environment
Our K2 classrooms are filled with fun and are always buzzing with activity. The teachers read frequently to children individually and in small groups, incorporating dynamic movement, dance, and music into lessons. Whether playing outside in the sandbox or working together on a project, our youngest learners gain a solid foundation for their schooling. For more information about the K2 Programme, please contact our Admissions team here.
YCIS Shanghai is a Child-Safe School
Click HERE for our Child Protection Policies and Procedures
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