18 November, 2025

Where Learning Begins: Early Years Program at DAIS

Early Years class

The DAIS Early Years program promotes sensory-rich, student-led learning in a multilingual environment designed for natural language acquisition. 

early years program motto

Fast Fact

  1. Age: 3-6 years old
  2. Small Class Size
  3. Intergrated Curriculum
  4. School Day: 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM

A Day in Life

08:45-09:00 - Morning Meeting

09:00-11:00 - Work Cycle

11:00-11:45 - Specialty Classes

11:45-12:45 - Lunch

12:45-13:30 - Nap Time (not mandatory, younger students)

12:45-15:00 - Afternoon Work Cycle

15:00-15:45 - Specialty Classes

Our Educational Philosophy

Our program is ideally suited for a bilingual or multilingual setting, as it cultivates language acquisition and cultural appreciation through a supportive, multi-age environment. Younger students learn organically by interacting with and observing their older peers, who model English communication in daily social interactions. The classroom is designed to build confidence by encouraging self-expression without fear of error, while a range of multisensory materials, along with meaningful exposure through stories, labeled objects, and rich conversations, strengthens phonological awareness, vocabulary, and overall language comprehension. 

Early Years student

What Learning Looks Like: EY Integrated Curriculum

Montessori Principles: It incorporates key aspects like self-directed choice within a prepared environment, hands-on materials, and uninterrupted work periods.

Project-Based Learning: It includes opportunities for sustained inquiry into real-world challenges, allowing children to investigate questions, solve problems, collaborate, and create.

Integration of Standards: It seamlessly weaves literacy, math, science, and social studies skills into rich, thematic units or projects, making learning relevant and connected.

Scaffolding and Progression: Skills and concepts are systematically introduced and built upon, using strategies like the Project Approach or IB PYP framework to ensure developmental and academic growth.

Early Years Integrated Curriculum

Other elements

Reggio Children: a child-led approach where the environment acts as the "third teacher" and children express themselves through "a hundred languages."

Orff music: active, playful approach to music education that combines rhythm, movement, singing, and playing percussion instruments.

Jelic: this Taiwanese-designed program facilitates development of the child's multiple intelligences.

Jelic class

Responsive classroom: emotional literacy, self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution to build strong foundations for social skills.

Physical education for wellbeing: developing gross motor skills, strength, and coordination through joyful movement, promoting a lifelong positive association with physical health.

Outdoor exploration: regular, structured opportunities for children to engage with the natural world, fostering curiosity, risk-assessment, and environmental stewardship.

outdoor exploration for early years students

A Guide to Our Early Years Subjects

Literacy

Your child builds a strong foundation in reading and writing through purposeful activities and project-based learning. Using a workshop model, they explore language through stories, collaboration, and discovery. Each experience connects to real-world themes and their growing understanding of the world.

Mathematics

Math becomes meaningful as your child explores patterns, numbers, and problem-solving through hands-on activities. Concepts are woven into daily routines and inquiry units. This approach builds confidence and curiosity in every learner.

Science

Your child investigates the natural and physical world through sensory-rich experiences. They ask questions, make predictions, and explore materials that spark curiosity. Each activity encourages observation and discovery.

Early Years classroom

Social Studies (Understanding of the World)

Kids learn about self, family, and community through stories and collaborative projects. They begin to understand their place in the world and how people live and work together. These experiences build empathy and a sense of belonging.

Art

Your child explores materials, textures, and techniques that build fine motor skills and confidence. The focus is on creating and expressing ideas freely. Each project encourages personal expression and sensory awareness.

Early Years Mandarin class

Host Country Language

Your child is introduced to Mandarin through songs, stories, and daily routines. They connect language to familiar experiences like festivals and greetings. This natural exposure builds understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture.

Music

Students explore rhythm, melody, and movement through the Orff approach. They sing, move, and use instruments to build musical awareness. These experiences support listening, coordination, and self-expression.

Physical & Health Education

Your child builds strength, balance, and coordination through movement and games. Activities include running, jumping, throwing, and catching, helping them feel confident in their body. We also focus on teamwork, sharing, and enjoying being active with friends.

early years physical education

Meet Our Team

Ms. Alessia Chizzoniti

My own journey in education is one of continuous learning. With a toolbox brimming with several trainings and certifications, I am a lifelong learner dedicated to understanding how children learn best. I am passionate about helping children develop not just academic skills, but the socio-emotional tools and inner confidence they need to navigate the world joyfully by integrating best practicing and science-based approaches in one harmonious class.

Ms. Lulu Liu

I am Early Year’s Chinese teacher, Ms. Lulu. I enjoy interacting with children and am delighted by their growth and progress. I strive to help them lead independent, happy lives and to engage in self-directed, focused learning!

Ms. Linda Song

I am Linda, a Chinese language teacher at Early Year. I enjoy working with children and hope that through Chinese language activities, children will develop an interest in Chinese, experience the joy of learning Chinese, and explore the mysteries of Chinese characters with them!

Ms. Dana Wang

A Montessori-certified teacher for children aged 0-3 and 3-6, I am passionate about music. I enjoy getting to know children and interacting with them through music. I firmly believe that music is the golden key to unlocking a child's inner world and can subtly promote their overall development in terms of cognition, emotions, social skills, and physical coordination. Through music, children can express themselves confidently and experience the world with joy!

Building Strong Foundations

At the heart of our Early Years program is a simple belief: that every child is a born learner, full of wonder and potential. We are deeply fortunate to have the role of supporting that incredible journey. Our Integrated Curriculum is mindfully designed to ensure a seamless and confident transition into primary curricula like DAIS-E and DHBS.

Early Years playground

We lay a robust foundation that goes beyond early academics, focusing on the core competencies these programs value: critical thinking, self-directed learning, and global citizenship. By nurturing metacognitive skills, resilience, and a genuine love for inquiry from the very start, we ensure children don’t just enter their next school - they thrive there, fully prepared for the academic challenges and collaborative opportunities that await them.

Enroll Today: Begin the Journey

We’ve built a space where children’s voices are heard, and their curiosity is celebrated. We’d be honored to show you around! Contact us to schedule a visit.