The university area offers two preschools for student parents attending the University of Iceland, both of which are run by Iceland Student Services (FS). This is an essential service for students in Iceland, especially considering the fact that Iceland has the highest rate of student parents in all of Europe.

Both preschools operate according to the HighScope preschool curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on, active learning as well as individualized instruction. Stúdentablaðið discussed the HighScope strategy and student preschools with Íris Jóhannesdóttir, assistant principal of Mánagarður (one of two preschools in the university area).

“The HighScope strategy was developed by Dr. David Weikart in the 1960s. He noticed the high dropout rate of children from middle school in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and wanted to intervene earlier and facilitate learning by supporting children from an earlier age, with an emphasis on the preschool level. His methods, which our day-to-day operations are based on, revolve around supporting children individually by incorporating active learning in every aspect of the curriculum. Our aim, first and foremost, is to accommodate the interests, ability and independence of our students.”

Íris says one of the main advantages of the HighScope strategy is its research-based approach, which sprung from Dr. Weikart long-term study of children in less affluent schools in the United States, where children were monitored from the age of 3 until the age of 40.

“The results were striking, to say the least - children who had attended HighScope schools were generally more proactive, performed better socially and were much less likely to drop out from middle school. Additionally, their IQ levels were up to 10-15% higher and the likelihood of arrests and prison time dropped significantly.”

To this day, the core values first developed by Dr. Weikart in the 1960s are still a vital part of HighScope, and any advances to the curriculum are always based on empirically grounded research. This approach to preschool learning has spread far and wide across the world throughout the years - and Icelandic Student Services’ preschools are no exception.

“When we were first starting out, we wanted to find a program which could apply to all age groups within our preschools, from six months to six years old. We immediately fell in love with the HighScope curriculum, because of its holistic approach and the fact that every single activity is backed by research.”

HighScope focuses on children’s social and emotional development by the use of descriptive language, where children are encouraged to voice their emotions and their feelings are met with support and understanding.

“We make a point to discuss all feelings and make space for their expression. ‘I can see how angry you are right now, your fists are clenched and you’re shaking’, ‘Yes, I understand that you like it best when mom is here with you’ and so on. We really notice the benefits of this approach, it’s easier for children to regulate their emotions and describe how they’re feeling.”

This method of emphasizing descriptive discourse as well as asking open questions also enhances children’s language acquisition and promotes active learning in a diverse way.

“We ask them how we can solve things together and what they think. The emphasis on active learning really is the core of HighScope, this focus on children’s active involvement in everything. Instead of simply complimenting a picture when a child shows it to us, we ask what’s in the picture and encourage them to develop their own opinions. We make room for conversation, and by doing so we encourage their initiative and self-empowerment, instead of them coming to us for simple praise in fewer words.”

By adhering to this philosophy as well as thoroughly training and re-evaluating staff members, the preschools in the university area ensure that the needs and interests of every child are met with understanding. It’s safe to say that the access to high-quality day care and early education for the children of students attending the University of Iceland is greatly beneficial to the university society.

Those who wish to learn more about the importance of education at the preschool level are encouraged to check out the long-term study of Dr. Weikart, The Perry Preschool Project. Additionally, Mánagarður (one of two preschools in the university area) has an Instagram page worth checking out.

Student Preschools and the HighScope Curriculum: Innovative Education for Students’ Children