Early Childhood

Early Childhood Education at American Youth Academy

At American Youth Academy (AYA), we believe that the early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our Early Childhood Program provides a nurturing, engaging, and faith-centered environment where children develop academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Serving children from 6 weeks of age through Kindergarten, our program is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and cultivate a love of learning. Through meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, and purposeful play, children build the confidence and skills needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

A Curriculum Designed for Growth

Our program is grounded in The Creative Curriculum®, a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that empowers children to become confident, creative, and compassionate learners. Through play-based investigations and hands-on learning experiences, children actively explore their world while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning are thoughtfully woven into daily experiences. Our learning centers encourage children to investigate, create, collaborate, and discover through activities such as building, drawing, sensory exploration, dramatic play, and inquiry-based learning.

As an Islamic school, we intentionally integrate Islamic values, character development, Arabic language, and Islamic Studies throughout the day, helping children develop a strong sense of identity, faith, and community. We value the partnership between home and school and actively involve families in supporting each child's growth and development.

Our Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Includes:

• Islamic Studies
• Arabic Language
• Language Development & Early Literacy
• Mathematics
• Science & Nature Exploration
• Social-Emotional Development
• Physical Education & Gross Motor Development
• Creative Arts & Crafts
• Fine Motor Development
• Character Education
• Inquiry-Based Learning Experiences

Programs for Every Stage of Early Learning

AYA proudly serves children in the following programs:

• Infants (6 Weeks – 12 Months)
• Toddlers & Twos (Combined Classroom)
• Preschool (3 Years Old)
• Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
• Kindergarten

Each classroom is thoughtfully designed to meet the developmental needs of its age group while fostering independence, confidence, and a joy for learning.

Family Partnership & Open Door Policy

We believe parents are a child's first and most important teachers. Through our Open Door Policy, parents and guardians are warmly welcomed to visit classrooms, observe learning experiences, and actively participate in their child's educational journey.

By fostering strong relationships between families and educators, we create a collaborative partnership that supports each child's success and honors the values of our diverse school community.

Qualified & Caring Educators

Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about early childhood education and committed to providing high-quality learning experiences for every child.

• VPK and Kindergarten teachers hold a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and meet all Florida instructional requirements.
• Preschool teachers possess appropriate early childhood credentials, including a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher.
• All teaching staff participate in ongoing professional development and in-service training throughout the year.
• Staff maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• All employees successfully complete Level II Background Screening through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Excellence You Can Trust

American Youth Academy's Early Childhood Program proudly adheres to and exceeds the standards established by:

• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
• Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program
• Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS)
• Gold Seal Quality Care Program
• Best Practices in Early Childhood Education

Gold Seal Accredited

AYA is proud to be a Gold Seal Quality Care Accredited Program, a distinction awarded to early learning providers that demonstrate excellence in education, health and safety, teacher qualifications, and family engagement. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing children with the highest quality early learning experience in a safe, nurturing, and academically rich environment.

Why Families Choose AYA

• Faith-centered learning environment
• Research-based curriculum and assessment practices
• Qualified, caring, and experienced educators
• Small class sizes and individualized attention
• Strong family-school partnerships
• Gold Seal Accredited program
• Seamless transition from Early Childhood through Kindergarten and beyond
• Safe, nurturing, and engaging learning spaces

At American Youth Academy, we nurture curious minds, strong character, and a lifelong love of learning—beginning as early as six weeks of age and continuing through Kindergarten.