724 Foxvue Road, Knoxville, TN 37922

Early Childhood Development

Create. Grow. Explore.

Our ECD program emphasizes active and student-centered learning, positive adult-child interactions, and a nurturing, diverse learning environment.

Overview

The Early Childhood program at Annoor Academy implements the HighScope Curriculum, a research-based approach that emphasizes active learning, positive adult-child interactions, and a plan-do-review process. Our program aims to develop and nurture the whole child and includes Toddlers, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Classrooms.

What is Active Learning?

A classroom that promotes active learning provides children with direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. In active learning settings, adults expand children’s thinking with diverse materials and nurturing interactions. Through scaffolding, adults help children gain knowledge and develop creative problem-solving skills. Children construct knowledge through interactions with the world and people around them. They take the first step in the learning process by making choices and following through on their plans and decisions.

Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qur’an (AIQ)

A core part of our program is what we call AIQ, which stands for Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qur’an. Led by the steadfast and remarkable Khala Khadija, our students learn Arabic letters and sounds, memorize short chapters of the Qur’an and Du’a (supplication), as well as practice writing and spelling in Arabic. All of the ECD teachers embed the values and virtues of our Islamic faith into the students’ daily routines. We immerse our students in a loving, nurturing religious environment that allows them to practice what they are learning in a meaningful way while it reinforces their Muslim faith identity.

Please note: to be eligible for one of our Early Childhood classrooms, students must meet the specific age requirement for their classroom by or before August 15, 2024 (e.g. to be eligible for preschool, your child must be 3 years old by or before August 15, 2024).

Toddler Classroom (24-36 months)

Our Toddler Classroom is where our youngest learners need to feel safe and supported so they can learn with their whole body and all of their senses. Teaches focus on developing supportive, trusting relationships with the children in their care. We create rich environments that encourage very young children to explore and discover the world around them, helping them to engage in experiences designed to support their optimal development in all domains.

Preschool (3 years old) and Pre-Kindergarten (4 years old)

In our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms, teachers ignite children’s interest in learning by creating an environment that encourages them to explore learning materials and interact with adults and peers. We focus on supporting early learners as they make decisions, build academic skills, develop socially and emotionally, and become part of a classroom community.

Kindergarten (5 years old)

Our Kindergarten Classroom is where the love of learning continues and where students get a solid foundation to prepare them for transitioning to elementary school. Our dedicated teachers continue to use active learning, student-centered practices to support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our Kindergarten program carefully balances Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic with core academic subjects in the daily schedule.