Milestones Curriculum

At Milestones, our curriculum approach is based upon the Milestones philosophy and is designed to provide children with developmentally appropriate learning experiences throughout each day.    All curriculum is written with principles of child development at the forefront of thought as well as with the understanding that learning occurs throughout all portions of the daily routine. Planned learning experiences take place both individually and in small groups.

Learning environments for infants, toddlers and preschoolers are set up into experience areas providing many opportunities for ‘hands-on’ exploration. Learning experiences are designed by caregivers to meet the interests and skill levels of each group of children.

Caregivers work as partners with parents, sharing observations of each child’s growth and development and setting goals together. Individualized planning allows for learning experiences that engage children’s interest for the reinforcement of developmental skills and for the introduction of new skills and concepts.

Our Curriculum Authors

Ginny Swart Purcell, MA, is an Early Childhood Specialist, working as an instructor of Early Childhood Education and as a program consultant in Michigan and Indiana. For over 35 years, Ginny has worked with young children and their families, and with adults who care about them. She has worked as a teacher at the kindergarten, prekindergarten and college/university level, and as a program administrator/trainer for Head Start, Early Head Start, Great Start School Readiness and for employer sponsored on-site child care programs.

Debra Caudill, MA, is an early childhood special education teacher, and has worked with young children for over 25 years. Debra has a bachelor’s degree in special education, and a minor in early childhood education. Debra earned a master’s degree from MaryGrove College in the Art of Teaching. Debra is now working for Calhoun Intermediate School District as a Head Start inclusion teacher, and is also an adjunct instructor in the Early Childhood Program at Kellogg Community College.

Zoo-Phonics®

Zoo-Phonics® is incorporated throughout the Milestones curriculum beginning in our Toddler program. Zoo-Phonics® is well-aligned with the Milestones Child Development Center Curriculum Framework for the enhancement of language and literacy development. The program is expanded in application and complexity as children progress through various age ranges and aids in school-readiness.Created by award-winning teachers, Zoo-phonics® is a unique program that involves your whole child, eyes, ears, mouth, mind and body with:

Endearing animals and letter shapes which promote visual learning
Hand and body motions as well as engaging games and activities to develop kinesthetic learning
Sounds and songs supporting auditory learning

Our Philosophy

Milestones offers a play-based program that engages and furthers each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical, and creative development. Children are provided ample opportunities to explore their environment and expand social and problem solving skills. Our certified and degreed teachers serve as role models and encompass positive images of children, recognizing that they are capable of many things. With this in mind, our staff constantly encourages children to reach new potentials. Teachers embody the roles of facilitators, observers and evaluators, all while providing a warm, nurturing environment. Parents are encouraged to become involved with their child’s education by partnering with teachers and care-givers to assist their child in growing to his or her fullest potential. We believe it is essential for parents, teachers, and families to work as a team with a common goal to continually develop and increase children’s knowledge and growth.

Outdoor Classroom

Emerging at the forefront of early childhood education, Milestones Child Development Center offers exquisite Outdoor Classrooms and Natural Playgrounds at each of our locations. Designed to extend and enhance children’s learning experiences, these uniquely and thoughtfully designed spaces allow the learning environment to extend out into nature. Children of all ages explore all-natural materials, such as stone, wood, plant life, water, and soil to cultivate an appreciation for the natural world and to develop invaluable skills.

Our Locations

Belmont

Caledonia

Cascade

Portage

Wilson