Curriculum & Assets
Child development is never a constant. Each age needs new ideas. New experiences. And new challenges.
Walnut Creek Academy doesn’t just emphasize academic excellence. We foster it through programs such as our award-winning Creative Curriculum ® program for Preschool and our innovative Bible Project. But whether it’s teaching your children about the positive values of creative expression or recognizing them through our monthly Student Spotlight assemblies, we know that children need a foundation based on both a healthy self esteem, imagination and physical development in addition to their academic experience.
Age Structure & Ratios
Our infant, toddler and preschool age programs follow a unique structure designed to mark specific milestones in your child’s development. They’re divided into seven specific categories:
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Little Dreamers: 6 weeks to 12 months
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Explorers: 12 months to 18 months
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Discoverers: 18 months to 24 months
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Imagineers: 24 to 36 months
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Creators: 36 to 48 months
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Inventors (4): 42/48 months-60 months
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Inventors (5): 60 months until Kindergarten (Walnut Creek Academy does allow testing for early Kindergarten enrollment. Please consult with your child’s teacher if you feel they are both academically and socially prepared to do so.)
In addition, each age program is staffed by a ratio of teachers and assistants to students in compliance with state regulation:
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Little Dreamers, up to 1:4
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Explorers, up to 1:5
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Discoverers, up to 1:9
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Imagineers, up to 1:11
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Creators, up to 1:15
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Inventors, up to 1:18
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Kindergarten – 5th Grade, up to 16 (Maximum class size is 16 students
(During nap times and other group activities the ratios may differ but will not exceed official licensing standards.)
Vision & Mission
Walnut Creek Academy’s mission is to provide a creative learning environment with a firm foundation of faith in God and in themselves that emphasizes on social, emotional, and intellectual development to develop children’s desire to be lifelong learners with creative minds, strong bodies, and kind hearts.
Walnut Creek Academy’s vision is to empower students to embrace a lifestyle that stands firmly for all values consistent with God’s Word.
What We Believe At Walnut Creek Academy
We recognize that each child is an individual; that all children are creative; and that all children need to succeed.
Our goal is to provide a joyful learning environment that encourages children to reach their educational and personal potential in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment.
Staff Leadership
Here in Mansfield, we do things a little differently. It’s as much about professionalism and courtesy as it is about qualification. And it should come as no surprise that it’s no different when it comes to child care.
But what does it mean when we talk about professionalism and courtesy? It means demonstrated ability. It means passion. And above all, it means commitment.
That’s what Walnut Creek Academy looks for in our teachers and staff. Child care demands only the best and brightest—and in Mansfield, there’s no shortage of either. But Walnut Creek thrives on innovation. We mandate all teachers to undergo strict background checks and continuing classes in early child education. Our exclusive staff training modules are held annually to provide additional preparation for leadership in child care. Not only that, but we encourage our staff in following a clean and sober lifestyle free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Positivity And Our Staff
Our staff knows they have a commitment to contributing positively to the development of your child. It’s one of the guiding principles we were founded on. Anything less would be unthinkable.
But contributing positively to child care demands more than just words. It demands action—and that begins with cultivating a nurturing attitude. Experience may compliment a nurturing attitude, but it’s only a truly warm and loving personality which can foster its growth.
That’s why Walnut Creek prides itself on providing an inclusive and multicultural environment free from judgement and intolerance. Our staff are only as good as the children they teach. And we all know that children make the best teachers.
We pride ourselves in being a value-based school, based on five key pillars:
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Love for teaching
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Immense energy
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Endless patience
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The ability to foster growth
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Role model leadership
But leadership development also relies on the proper training. All Walnut Creek teachers and personnel are trained in First Aid and CPR, infectious disease control, injury prevention, and child abuse awareness standards, in addition to regular training in curriculum, child development, classroom management nutrition, and OSHA regulations to ensure that only the highest standards of child care are met.
Education and commitment. It’s what we all look for in child care. And we think you’ll agree that’s the Mansfield way.
Parent Partnerships
We don’t just consider parents to be guardians at Walnut Creek Academy. We consider them to be partners, as well.
We’re all part of the global village of child care. And cooperation is vital for that village to function. Our goal is to forge a bond not only with your child but with you, as well. We regularly keep our parents up to date with your child’s needs through daily face to face conversations, family communication boards, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, email, progress reports and more. And if you have a specific question or concern, we’re always happy to schedule a one-on-one meeting at your convenience.
But we especially encourage you to come be an active part of your child’s early education experience. We have opportunities throughout the year for special guests, projects, volunteers and party helpers. Both our staff and our email bulletins will keep you informed on all the upcoming events at the school so you don’t miss out.