Nebraska’s Early Learning Guidelines (ELGs) are a comprehensive framework designed to support the growth and development of young children from birth to five years old. These guidelines are based on research and best practices, providing developmental milestones and teaching strategies across multiple domains.
At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we follow Nebraska’s ELGs daily. Holding a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Christine ensures that our bilingual, faith-based, and Montessori-inspired curriculum not only meets, but exceeds, the highest educational standards for early childhood learning.
To explore the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines Handbook, visit:
📖 Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines Handbook
The Seven Domains of the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines
Here’s how each ELG domain is woven into the daily experiences of children at Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy:
1. Social & Emotional Development – Helping children build confidence, friendships, and emotional regulation.
✔️ How we use it: We teach Bible-based character lessons about kindness, patience, and respect, helping children develop empathy and strong moral values. Circle Time also includes gratitude sharing and positive affirmations to build confidence and emotional resilience.
2. Approaches to Learning – Encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and a love for learning.
✔️ How we use it: Our Montessori approach allows children to choose their learning activities, promoting independence and decision-making skills. Hands-on experiences, such as sensory activities, science experiments, and real-world learning, keep children engaged and eager to explore.
3. Health & Physical Development – Teaching healthy habits, movement, and motor skills.
✔️ How we use it: Outdoor play is an essential part of our daily schedule! We provide structured physical activities like obstacle courses, fitness routines, movement songs, as well as plenty of free movement. Snack and mealtime also follow USDA nutrition guidelines, teaching children healthy eating habits.
4. Language & Literacy Development – Developing strong communication skills in both English & Spanish.
✔️ How we use it: Hatzlaja is a bilingual academy, meaning children learn in both English and Spanish daily! We incorporate interactive read-alouds, storytelling, music, and hands-on phonics activities to develop strong literacy skills.
5. Mathematics – Building early numeracy, patterns, and problem-solving skills.
✔️ How we use it: Our Montessori-inspired math materials allow children to explore numbers through hands-on learning—such as counting beads, matching objects to numerals, and recognizing shapes and patterns. We also integrate math into daily life, like counting during snack time or measuring ingredients in cooking activities.
6. Science – Encouraging exploration, observation, and an understanding of the natural world.
✔️ How we use it: We take children on nature walks, hands-on science experiments, and gardening activities to help them observe and explore the world around them. We also teach Bible-based creation lessons, helping children appreciate the wonder of nature.
7. Creative Arts – Allowing children to express themselves through art, music, and movement.
✔️ How we use it: Children participate in art projects, music and movement sessions, dramatic play, and hands-on crafts that encourage self-expression. We also incorporate praise songs, dance, and storytelling into our daily routines!
Why These Guidelines Matter
Nebraska’s Early Learning Guidelines ensure that all licensed childcare programs provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. All Nebraska childcare providers must be trained in these guidelines, ensuring that caregivers understand how to support children’s growth across all learning domains.
At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we go far beyond state requirements by blending these guidelines with:
✔️ A bilingual English & Spanish curriculum
✔️ A faith-based, Bible-centered approach
✔️ Montessori-inspired, hands-on learning
This unique combination sets our students up for success while allowing them to develop socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually.
The Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines provide a strong foundation for children’s early education, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we integrate these guidelines into our faith-based, bilingual, and Montessori-style curriculum—helping children develop confidence, curiosity, strong values, and academic readiness.
📖 Want to learn more? Check out the full Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines Handbook here:
🔗 Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines Handbook
If you’re looking for a program that meets and exceeds Nebraska’s Early Learning Guidelines, we invite you to join us at Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy! 😊📚✨
