Programs & Curriculum

At Auraria Early Learning Center, we utilize The Creative Curriculum alongside Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) to provide high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction. This approach allows educators to:

Individualize learning
Track developmental progress
Plan engaging, play-based experiences
Collaborate with families

Creative Curriculum Highlights:

Research-based, nationally recognized framework
Aligns with state early learning standards
Supports the whole child through hands-on learning

Children thrive through project-based exploration, language-rich environments, cooperative play and social interaction, outdoor learning, creative expression through art and storytelling

Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG):

TSG is our primary assessment system, used daily during classroom routines. It aligns with curriculum objectives and includes:

Observations
Learning stories
Photographs
Work samples

This data helps us monitor growth, identify strengths and needs, individualize instruction, and communicate progress to families.

Data-Informed Instruction:

Ongoing assessments guide curriculum adaptation, support early intervention, and ensure equity for all learners without withdrawing children from play for testing.

Family Partnerships:

Families receive regular updates, developmental snapshots, classroom documentation, and home extension ideas, emphasizing their vital role in the learning journey.

Teaching Philosophy:

We believe:

Learning thrives through relationships
Play is essential for learning
Every child has potential
Data should support children, not define them
Families are crucial partners

Our goal is to foster a nurturing environment that promotes growth, exploration, and a love of learning.

The Creative Curriculum & Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) Information Sheets:

The AELC enrolls children 12 months old to 5 years old or the year before kindergarten. Children who enroll in our toddler program must be walking independently. Children in our preschool program must be fully potty trained as preschool classrooms are not equipped for diapering.

The classroom capacities are as follows:

1–2 Year Old Toddler Classrooms
Child Capacity: 10, 1:4 teacher to child ratio
2–3 Year Old Toddler Classrooms
Child Capacity: 14, 1:7 teacher to child ratio
3–4 Year Old Young Preschool Classrooms
Child Capacity: 16, 1:8 teacher to child ratio
4–5 Year Old Older Preschool Classrooms
Child Capacity: 18, 1:8 teacher to child ratio

Our Older Preschool Program consists of children in the year before kindergarten. Children must be 4 years old by October 1 of the current year (special consideration is made for children who miss the cutoff). Our Older Preschool Program utilizes specific curriculum for phonics and math.

Children in our Older Preschool classrooms may be eligible UPK or DPP.

The AELC is open year-round to children and families Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Our calendar closely follows the Auraria Campus schedule. We accept enrollment applications from Community College of Denver, CU Denver, and MSU Denver students, faculty, and staff. We also accept applications from the Denver community.