Our Curriculum

Built Backward From the Schools Your Child Will Attend

Great early learning does not happen by accident. It is the result of intentional curriculum design, skilled teaching, and a clear understanding of what children need to know before they walk into kindergarten.

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Center-based learning early childhood curriculum Ohana School Littleton CO

Center-Based Learning

What It Means and Why It Works

Our approach is built around center-based learning — a model in which children move through structured, teacher-facilitated small groups that progress through three distinct stages.

At Ohana, we have talked with principals and kindergarten teachers across Jefferson County, Douglas County School District, and Littleton Public Schools to understand exactly what a well-prepared five-year-old looks like when they arrive. Then we work backward, age group by age group, to ensure every child who spends their early years with us arrives exactly that way.

The Three Stages

How Every Lesson Is Structured

Every concept, in every age group, moves through these three stages. No shortcuts.

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Guided Practice

The teacher introduces a concept directly, working alongside the whole group. Every child experiences the same introduction, with the teacher actively monitoring comprehension and adjusting in real time.

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Guided-Independent Practice

Children work in small groups to practice what they have learned, with the teacher available to support, prompt, and extend thinking. This is where learning solidifies — through application and peer interaction, not just repetition.

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Independent Practice

Children apply the skill on their own. This is where mastery happens. Teachers observe closely at this stage, noting what each child has genuinely internalized and where they still need support.

Three Learning Styles, Every Day

No Child Learns Only One Way.
No Classroom Should Teach Only One Way.

Our approach intentionally addresses three primary learning modalities in every lesson — because we are teaching all kinds of minds.

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Kinetic Learning

Hands-on · Touching · Building · Doing

A child who struggles with listening alone thrives when the same concept is presented through hands-on materials. We make sure every lesson includes a kinetic component.

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Visual Learning

Seeing · Observing · Drawing

A visual learner who gets a diagram alongside the spoken explanation retains far more. Our classrooms are rich with visual supports, displayed learning, and art-integrated instruction.

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Auditory Learning

Hearing · Singing · Discussing

Songs, rhymes, read-alouds, and guided discussion are not add-ons — they are core instructional tools. Language-rich classrooms build language-rich learners.

Colorado Standards Aligned

Aligned to Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines

Our curriculum aligns to the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines (CELDG) — the state’s framework for early childhood education covering the developmental continuum from birth through kindergarten entry.

For families headed to Littleton Public Schools, Jefferson County, or Douglas County School District, this alignment means a smooth, well-supported transition with no gaps to fill.

Family Communication

You Are Part of the Team

Consistent communication is not an add-on at Ohana — it is built into every day.

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Daily reports at pickup: activities, meals, moods, and milestones

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Back to School Night each fall — meet every teacher and walk every classroom

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Parent-teacher conferences regularly throughout the year

See the Curriculum in Action

The best way to understand how Ohana teaches is to walk through a classroom while it’s running. Schedule a tour and see center-based learning in person.