Early Childhood

early childhood international school of qingdao american curriculum

Our Early Childhood Center provides concrete learning experiences in literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social and physical development.

A warm welcome from our Principal

Welcome to our Early Childhood Center (ECC), a vibrant and joyful community where our youngest students are cherished. Guided by loving and committed teachers, students learn to make wise choices, work and play well with others, and demonstrate high standards of character and courtesy.

On any given day as you visit our ECC, you will see our students engaged in purposeful play. Research shows that play-based learning is one of the most important factors in young students’ social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development. With teachers modeling, students use real-world materials and tools to explore learning themes in math, literacy, and science. Students’ imaginations come to life as they practice verbal language and persevere in problem-solving, embrace new discoveries and collaborate with classmates from different cultures.

Every day matters here as we instill the growth mindset and habits of character that develop innovative thinkers, skilled communicators and courageous leaders.

Warmly
Colleen Quernemoen

Principal of Student Well-being

Bringing the curriculum to life

three young female students riding a tricycle at international school of qingdao early childhood learning

Play-based activities

Play and physical development are important parts of our program. From the inside of our building to the outdoor classroom, it will be clear that our children are growing in a developmentally appropriate environment.

story corner in classroom at international school of qingdao early childhood learning

Language foundations

Playful language activities such as practice story-telling, singing, phonics and rhymes build the foundations of literacy and language skills. With their new English foundations, ECC students then go on to socialize with their peers and navigate emotions together.

young female student at desk in classroom inside international school of qingdao early childhood learning

Creative skills

Art, music and role play are all incorporated into daily activities, helping early childhood students to learn through creative play and active discovery of their world.

young students walking outside international school of qingdao early childhood learning

Character and leadership foundations

Early childhood is a critical age in which our teachers lay the foundation for fundamental life skills such as learning integrity, developing values, independence, thinking carefully, expressing emotions, communicating and taking care of the world around us.

four students and teacher with arms raised inside classroom at international school of qingdao early childhood learning center

Chinese language and culture

China is an amazing stage for learning and experiences. Our Chinese program caters for beginners to advanced Chinese learners, with an emphasis on our youngest students learning Chinese through play and self-expression.

Student experiences

teacher at school bus outside international school of qingdao early childhood learning center

Excursions

ECC students set out on excursions to nearby parks and businesses to explore nature, play new games and expand their worldviews. ECC students will go out at least twice per year, based on their age.

wall of many ukuleles at international school of qingdao early childhood learning center

The joy of expression

Three times every year, ECC students present their art and perform songs and dances during our Fine Art Galas and China Week celebration.

Our Early Childhood teaching team

Karen Anderson

LifePlus Director of Adult Learning

Colleen Quernemoen

Principal of Student Well-being

June Sun

ECC + Elementary Principals' Assistant

Chuck Birkenstock

ECC Teacher

Susan Yu

ECC Teaching Assistant

Michelle Bishop

ECC Teacher

Phoebe Zhuang

ECC Teaching Assistant

Janine Rye

ELS Teacher

Sandy Qu

Learning Support Co-Teacher

Angel Luan

Librarian

Amber Fu

ECC + Elementary Art teacher + Co-Teacher

Gloria Oh

PE Teacher + PE HOD

Mia Liu

Music Teaching Assistant

Nancy WangSijie

ECC + Elementary Well-being Counselor + Learning Support Co-Teacher

Recognized for excellence

Cognia logo

International School of Qingdao is accredited by Cognia, the largest education improvement organization in the world—demonstrating our commitment to learners, teachers, leaders and communities.

Grow academically and beyond

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