Pines West Academy proudly follows Education First  Early Childhood Program. 

Origins of Education First Curriculum:

Education First Curriculum has been developed as a result of the passion for education, vision and effort of Ana Maria Fernandez: owner, educator and curriculum coordinator for Education First schools. The purpose was to generate a common international curriculum framework for all Education First pre-schools integrating the best known practices and philosophies of education in the world.

“The world is facing very important and dramatic changes. We cannot continue teaching our youngsters as if we were living on the industrial century."

Education First is a company that owns and operates schools in Florida and internationally.

In Florida it has nationally accredited preschool programs serving families with children twelve months to five years of age.  It operates year round and offers extended hours.  Internationally it co-owns IB World accredited schools that serve children from preschool to high school ages.

" Cooperative work, creative and innovative skills, adaptability, thinking moves and global awareness are now leading the way! 
Research has proven the importance of having challenging and provocative Hands On – Minds On environments with high standards for younger children.
It is no longer fair to only offer “fun” activities to our preschool children. They deserve to be in an environment where they are provoked to inquire and discover knowledge becoming protagonists of their construction of meaning. In this way children will learn to have ownership for their actions and will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be happy and successful in life. A life that is rapidly changing and demanding more and more from all of us ”
Ana Maria Fernandez

Philosophy of Education First Curriculum:

Education First curriculum promotes a learning environment in which traditional and contemporary styles of teaching are carefully integrated. 

 Education First Curriculum is inspired by the National curriculum of England and Wales, The Australian guideline of education. In addition, it is greatly influenced by the Primary Years Program from the IB World schools, a program that is followed by two of the international sibling schools Education First has in Colombia.

Education First Curriculum is significantly influenced by Reggio schools' approach and philosophy.  The curriculum also incorporates and follows the Visible Thinking approach to teaching from Project Zero at Harvard University.

 Education First Curriculum is an active organism that is permanently growing and developing according to the needs of children and new researches in education.

The curriculum is carefully crafted by our staff based on developmentally appropriate guidelines of international standards for young children.

Every child is provided with experiences of success and self esteem which is essential in the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children. 

Education First Curriculum ultimate goal is to promote intellectual, social and moral autonomy in the children. For doing so, it promotes a clear set of values that will lead children throughout their lives knowing what is right from wrong. It encourages children to become tolerant, honest, independent, creative, passionate, inquirers, collaborative, have a sense of gratitude, be dedicated and have compassion for others, all attitudes that will direct them to become socially autonomous.

Education First Curriculum teaches specific concepts and encourages the development of a variety of skills among which thinking skills are of great importance so that children can become protagonists on the construction of their own learning making connections and becoming intellectually autonomous to be successful in whatever they decide to do in life.

We believe early childhood is a crucial stage of life in terms of children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. Growth is both rapid and differential. A significant high proportion of learning takes place from birth to age six.  We know it is a time when children particularly need high quality care and learning experiences.

By identifying individuals’ needs and targets, Education First promotes fulfillment of each child’s potential while striving for excellence. It helps student’s foster inquisitive and analytical minds, so that they may learn skills, concepts and technology that will guide their studies and approach to life long after they have left us. 

Curriculum Content:

• Written scope and sequence of child's developmental areas and skill acquisition.
• Clear framework explaining expectations and educational goals for understanding.
• Descriptive support and guidelines for implementation
• Assessment policy to evaluate the process of learning and document it.