Every child at CDFD learns through a custom, play-based curriculum delivered in Mandarin. Our program is designed around children’s natural curiosity — we follow their interests, build on their strengths, and create joyful learning experiences that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
Mandarin Immersion 普通话沉浸式教学
Mandarin is the language of our classrooms. Our native-speaking teachers use Mandarin throughout the entire day — during instruction, play, meals, transitions, and outdoor time. Children develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and conversational ability naturally, just as they acquired their first language.
By the time children move on to kindergarten, they have a strong foundation in Mandarin that gives them a meaningful head start — whether they continue in a dual-language program or carry bilingualism as a lifelong advantage.
Infant & Toddler Program (3 Months – 2.5 Years)
Available at our 28th Ave location
Our youngest learners experience Mandarin through songs, gentle routines, sensory exploration, and warm interactions with their caregivers. At this age, children are absorbing language at an extraordinary rate — and a Mandarin-rich environment builds neural pathways that last a lifetime.
The infant and toddler program focuses on secure attachment, motor development, early communication, and building trust. Staff-to-child ratios are kept especially low to ensure every baby and toddler gets the responsive care they need.
Preschool Program (2.5 – 5 Years)
Available at both locations
Our preschool program prepares children for kindergarten through intentional, play-based learning. We use proven curriculum tools alongside our Mandarin immersion approach:
Handwriting Without Tears (ELA)
A research-based program that teaches letter formation, pre-writing skills, and early literacy through multi-sensory activities. Children learn to recognize and write letters using tactile materials, songs, and structured practice — building confidence alongside capability.
Singapore Math
Recognized worldwide for building deep mathematical understanding, Singapore Math teaches children to think about numbers — not just memorize them. Through concrete materials, visual models, and guided practice, children develop number sense, counting skills, pattern recognition, and early problem-solving abilities.
Monthly Themes
Each month, the classroom transforms around a new theme — the ocean, community helpers, seasons, animals, or cultural celebrations. These themes integrate across all learning areas: art projects, stories, science exploration, math activities, and Mandarin vocabulary. Teachers supplement with materials from trusted educational resources and their own creations to keep learning fresh and engaging.
Daily Routines
Circle Time 圈圈时间
Each day includes structured circle time with story reading, music and movement, weather and calendar, and age-appropriate lesson plans. Circle time is conducted in Mandarin and builds listening skills, vocabulary, turn-taking, and classroom community.
Home-Cooked Meals 家常饭菜
We prepare fresh, nutritious meals in our kitchen daily. Menus include a balanced mix of Asian and Western dishes — noodle soups, stir-fried vegetables, fresh fruits, rice dishes, and more. Mealtime is also language time: children learn food vocabulary, practice table manners, and develop independence skills like self-serving. No pre-packaged or processed foods.
Social-Emotional Development
Kindergarten readiness isn’t just about ABCs and 123s. We focus heavily on the social-emotional skills that predict long-term success: self-regulation, empathy, conflict resolution, cooperation, and resilience. Children learn to express feelings, work with peers, and navigate challenges with confidence — skills that serve them well beyond the classroom.