At USAS-Central Austin, our friendly, attentive teachers will engage your child in the learning process and help them tap into their talents and explore their dreams.
Mission
To provide academic excellence in a Christian environment, working with families to discover and develop each child’s unique gifts to their full potential for the purpose of declaring the love of Christ.
Philosophy
USAS’ teaching philosophy is based on respect, responsibility and community. Every child is respected, given leadership opportunities and encouraged to become a life-long learner.
USAS is a Reggio Emilia-inspired program that values the role parents play throughout the learning process. USAS teachers collaborate with you to guide your child as they learn innovation, teamwork, creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, independent thinking and interpersonal skills.
Learning environment
The learning environment, classroom and playground play a significant role in a child’s education. USAS’ open, clutter-free spaces and inspiring materials, cared for by teachers and students, promote collaboration, exploration and learning.
Curriculum
USAS adopted the STEMscopes curriculum. STEMscopes, which aligns with Texas preschool standards, helps children develop a real-world understanding of science, engineering, technology and mathematics through hands-on and digital experiences.
Teaching approach
At USAS, our teachers believe in the STEAM teaching approach. STEAM, which is being used in schools around the world, is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
STEAM empowers students to connect what they learn about science, technology, engineering and math through the STEMscopes curriculum with reading, writing, music and other arts.
Inquiry, collaboration and innovation form the foundation of the STEAM approach. Teachers use each child’s interests to facilitate the learning process.
Children who are exposed to STEAM at a young age are more likely to seek careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
STEMscopes modules
Children will seek to answer “burning questions” as they explore STEMscopes’ 12 modules:
- Forces
- Five Senses
- Properties of Matter
- Sun’s Heat
- Food as Energy
- Food Sources
- Basic Needs
- Life Cycles
- Habitats
- Weather Patterns
- Caring for Our Earth
- Objects in the Sky
STEMscopes centers
Each STEMscopes module includes centers that integrate Science, Engineering, Literacy, Math, Weather, World of Science, Observation, Writing, Art, Dramatic Play, Puppets, Color, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Sensory Table, and Technology into the newly learned concepts.
Health. We know that children of parents with substance abuse disorders are 3 times more likely to be abused and 4 times
Health. We know that experiencing multiple traumatic childhood events – being removed from family – and toxic stress are determinants of lifelong disparities in physical and mental health. Access to high-quality, trauma-informed, integrated health care is critical.