Early Childhood

The National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC) recommends early childhood programs to maintain a 1:10 ratio. At Dawson, we value the importance of our students receiving individualized attention and therefore we maintain a 1:9 ratio. Each of our classrooms has a highly qualified lead teacher and an assistant teacher.

Students must be 3 years old by September 3 to enroll in Dawson's Early Childhood Program.

Dawson’s Early Childhood Education Center is both licensed through Nevada Child Care Licensing and accredited through the National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC). The Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) is very proud to have maintained a NAEYC accreditation since 2007. To earn NAEYC Accreditation, ECEC must continue to meet each of the 10 program standards and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. NAEYC-accredited programs are always prepared for unannounced quality-assurance visits during their accreditation term, which lasts for five years. In the 30 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education; less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition.

All of our teachers hold college degrees, and many have master's degrees. Our teachers have several years of experience working in early childhood education. Additionally, our faculty participates in yearly professional development courses, workshops and conferences.

Dawson’s Bear After-School Experience (BASE) Enrichment Program provides after-school classes and athletic opportunities for students from early childhood through eighth grade. A diverse offering of quality classes are held on campus throughout the week. The program includes engaging classes that appeal to a wide range of experiences for our students.

All students must be independently toilet-trained prior to starting in the early childhood program.

Healthy lunches are provided by the school food service, SAGE Dining. Lunch menus include hot entrees, sandwiches, salads, fruit and beverages. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided to Early Childhood students as well.

A Dawson student takes risks, shows resilience, listens to feedback, learns from mistakes and shows progress throughout his/her journey as a young learner. Dawson students thrive to be kind with their words and actions, and are expected to make choices that keep themselves and others safe socially, emotionally, and physically. Learning how to interact with other people, work on a team, and give and hear constructive feedback are essential skills for our students’ future. The Early Childhood program uses positive discipline techniques to teach children to learn and grow from their choices and empowers them to be strong communicators, problem-solvers, and collaborators.

The School’s main gate is monitored 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Visitors must have their name on the Visitor’s Calendar at the security gate, or the visitor will not be permitted on campus. Campus building doors are secured with an electronic system and Early Childhood students are signed in and out daily.

The Early Childhood program fosters independence and develops skills such as problem-solving, listening, language, and fine and gross motor skills. The curriculum includes literacy (i.e. reading, writing, phonics, word study), Everyday Mathematics, Social-Emotional Development, technology, music, art, library, and health and fitness. The curriculum combines direct instruction and play-based activities, taking into account each student’s developmental level for individualized instruction.
(Please refer to the Early Childhood Curriculum Overview for an in-depth look at our program.)

Parent/caregiver volunteer opportunities are available for classroom activities and special events. Parent/caregiver involvement at Dawson is vital to the success of our students and programs. Dawson is proud of its sense of community, reflected in community cooperation, teamwork and a sense of belonging.