GAPS Child Development Programs

Greater Albany Public Schools supports the social, emotional, and academic development of all of the three to five-year-old children in its preschool programs by fostering their innate capabilities and unlimited curiosity in the classroom, in the community, and within the larger world. GAPS Child Development Programs are free of cost.

Background

In the summer of 2020, Greater Albany Public Schools earned a Preschool Promise grant from the State of Oregon’s Early Learning Division. Governor Brown’s Student Success Act directed a portion of the funds to support a publicly-funded, high quality preschool system in Oregon called Preschool Promise. GAPS is using this grant funding, plus SIA funds, for continued operations of the South Shore, Sunrise, Tangent, and Waverly Child Development Programs.

Philosophy

The child development programs in Greater Albany Public Schools follow an Inquiry-Based Approach to Teaching and Learning. Inspired by the philosophies of Reggio-Emilia, staff believe a teacher’s role is to facilitate learning by setting up engaging opportunities for all children to think, predict, wonder, and imagine. Using the natural sciences and expressive arts as particular subjects of inspiration, staff offer open-ended questions, intriguing dilemmas, and beautiful environments so that young children may take ownership of their learning as they make discoveries, find meaning, and uncover possibilities. Preschool staff believe in supporting the family, and developing partnerships within the larger community, so that children may grow up in the most nurturing and engaging environment possible.

Program Goals

The Five Habits of Mind inform the central goals of the district’s child development programs. Staff create opportunities for children in which they learn to:

1. Focus attention to pursue an interest, gratify curiosity, respond to challenge, try out ideas
2. Communicate ideas and emotions clearly and appropriately
3. Make connections, note relationships and organize items based on observed details
4. Collaborate with others to accomplish a shared goal
5. Think strategically, creatively, reflectively to follow an interest or tackle a challenge

Sample Daily Schedule