Programs
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Play-Based Curriculum
We use the Creative Curriculum (PDF) as a guide to implementing developmentally appropriate practice in all of our classrooms. The Creative Curriculum incorporates research from major child development theorists about how children learn and develop.
The Creative Curriculum teacher creates an atmosphere in which children feel safe, feel emotionally secure and have a sense of belonging as they develop and learn through meaningful play.
Children are encouraged to be active participants in their own learning. Allowing the curriculum to emerge from the students' interests, teachers use a project-based approach when planning developmentally appropriate experiences that build upon children's needs.
Class Sizes and Ratios
Toddlers: 1 teacher for every 4 children in class size of 8 (+1 float teacher)
Our two Toddler classrooms each have 2 fully qualified teachers caring for 8 children in a relationship-based environment. Children in this program benefit from continuity of care; they remain in the same classroom with the same teacher for the entire length of their enrollment.
Preschool: 1 teacher for every 8 children in class size of 8-24 (+ teacher aides)
We have 5 Preschool classrooms housed within 2 buildings. The preschool children benefit from small group sizes and a primary teacher for 1-2 years.
Outdoor Classrooms
MECC is in a beautiful natural setting. Our 2.5 acres is nestled between the Alhambra Creek and the Martinez Hills. Children explore the outdoors daily and are often able to observe wildlife, including deer, squirrels, foxes, turtles, ducks, turkey and the occasional otter or beaver.