School Profile

Daniel Island Academy is open year around (allowance for holidays and teacher workdays) and offers full day programs, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Calendars (per school year) can be accessed on the Important Documents page.

Daniel Island Academy (DIA) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which sets the highest standards for education, health and safety, including teacher qualifications. Our school goes through re-accreditation every two years. We are also a proud A+ partner of ABC Quality South Carolina.

• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy and research. The association advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supports all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. Learn more.
• ABC Quality - A voluntary rating and improvement program that helps South Carolina parents find high quality child care. Child care providers who opt to participate in ABC Quality must demonstrate that they meet, exceed or surpass basic child care standards. The program is administered by the Division of Early Care and Education of the SC Department of Social Services. Providers who participate receive an ABC Quality rating to demonstrate their commitment to creating higher quality experiences:
• The School Nutrition Association (SNA) - The only professional association dedicated solely to the support and well being of school nutrition professionals in advancing good nutrition for all children.
• The South Carolina Farm to Preschool Program - A state-wide program that connects preschools with local agriculture to achieve many educational goals. Learn more.
• Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood Program - We proudly meet the requirements of a preferred provider for this reduced fee assistance program for active duty or deployed service members.

NAEYC stipulates that 75% of lead teachers and 50% of assistant teachers are required to hold or be working towards a degree in early childhood education or related discipline. Our school consistently achieves and exceeds NAEYC standards. Teaching staff are supervised and supported by the School Director, Curriculum Coordinator, Reference Point Coordinator and Business Manager.

Daniel Island Academy has established the following policies and practices in support of its NAEYC requirements:

• Teachers are required to complete 20 continuing education hours annually; exceeds state standards of 15 hours annually
• Teacher training sessions are held on-site and specially designed to meet the needs of our school and its student body. Classes in curriculum, growth and development, health and safety, among others, are included
• All DIA staff are required to be CPR and blood-borne pathogen certified (the state requires only one certified person be on site during operating hours)
• All DIA staff are required to submit to background screenings
• All DIA staff are required to submit to drug testing at the time of employment, with random testing as needed (the state does not require drug testing)
• Prospective teachers undergo an extensive interview process, including a working interview during which they spend approximately 1.5 hours in two separate classrooms (one younger child classroom, one older child classroom). Current teachers provide feedback to the School Director on performance and child interaction
• Successful applicants must share in the school philosophy and convey a sense of commitment in the workplace, especially in the education of the whole child
• Participation in Turtle Team- DIA's monthly incentive program

Turtle Team - Rewarding Excellence in Teaching and Caring for Your Child

The Turtle Team monthly compensation/incentive program works in conjunction with the school's NAEYC requirements, with a structured program for achieving and maintaining those standards. It rewards teachers for hard work and dedication to our school. Turtle Team is tailored to each staff position through an Individualized Staff Professional Development Plan created by the School Director and the Curriculum Coordinator. The Professional Development Plan is intended to provide direction, guidance and resources to all teachers currently working at Daniel Island Academy.

The Creative Curriculum® is taught in all Daniel Island Academy classrooms. Additionally, related arts classes are provided in full day programs, including, foreign language (Spanish), physical education and literacy. All classes are offered our proprietary assessment program- Reference Point. The program meets and exceeds State of South Carolina standards, with a core curriculum including, math, science, handwriting, literacy, Spanish immersion, reading, health and wellness education.

A number of enrichment programs are selected by our team and offered throughout the year, including, dance, science, karate, foreign language, creative movement and more. We select enrichments that offer the best opportunity for additional development through art, sports, science, dance or literacy (parents sign students up for their choice of activities which occur on-site during the day). We take great pride in the established relationships we have with our enrichment providers.

The Daniel Island Academy Parent's Association (PADIA) leads the school in a number of community service projects to benefit area charities. Since we opened our doors, we have worked hard to help others. Those have included organizations such as: East Cooper Community Outreach, Meals-On-Wheels, Christmas Commandos, Lowcountry Children's Center, I Heart Hungry Kids, Lowcountry Food Bank, Lowcountry Orphan Relief and more.

We are giving our wonderful teachers an opportunity to share "What Makes DIA Special"! Stay tuned for more resources, photos and videos of some really unique things that happen at our school.

Creative Curriculum

Conscious Discipline and I Love You Rituals

Reference Point

DIA Teacher Training 2019

Why We Get Messy at DIA!

Gross Motor Development at DIA!

Nutrition and Allergy Awareness