Supporting Healthy, Dynamic Children
Every MNC preschool classroom participates in the San Francisco Quality Connections program, which means that each classroom is evaluated by trained and certified independent assessors for quality, and must meet minimum ratings on the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales (ECERS), the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), as well as other quality indicators.
In return, MNC classrooms receive curricular enhancements and program quality improvements, such as funding for a partnership with Project Commotion, a program that incorporates tumbling, music, play, dance, and martial arts as a means of fostering healthy development, self-awareness and self-expression; teacher trainings and professional development opportunities; funding for enhanced program supplies and materials; and other resources.
In addition to providing high quality bilingual (Spanish- English) preschool and early education services, MNC Child Development program also provides family support services, parent involvement & education opportunities, health & nutrition services, and additional support for children with special needs.
First 5 San Francisco Quality Connections
Mission Neighborhood Centers receives funding from First 5 SF, a program designed to increase access to preschool for four year olds, provide professional development for staff and utilize strategies for curriculum quality enhancement for the classroom. Our centers are assessed by independent certified assessors as well as our internal coaches. Each classroom must achieve an Early Childhood Environment Rating Score (ECERS) of 4.5 or better, as well as other quality indicators.
As a result of First 5 SF funding, MNC teaching staff and administration have been able to participate in in-depth trainings, including the following programs:
CREATIVE CURRICULUM
A play-based curriculum designed to help children acquire social competence and the skills needed to succeed as learners.
DUAL LANGUAGE LEARNERS
A series of seminars designed to promote vocabulary for English language learners in the classroom and which support our goal of providing research based curriculum which can be used as a platform to transition to English language development.
SCIENCE AND MATH (STEM)
Calls on parents and educators to give children chances to investigate an idea in a variety of settings, for what educators call cross-contextual learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
The Five Protective Factors are the foundation of the Strengthening Families Approach: parental resilience, social connections, concrete support in times of need, knowledge of parenting and child development, and social and emotional competence of children.
TEACHING PYRAMID STRATEGIES
(CSEFEL) Trains teachers to develop a foundation for building positive relationships with children and families and supports children’s emotional and social development. Children learn skills and techniques for managing their emotions, developing and maintaining positive social relationships, and solving problems independently.
