About our Program Groups

Your child’s group placement has been determined by their age and in some groups the age range may vary as much as a year.  This is typical and a trend that you will discover as your child continues through their school years.  Whether your child is on the younger or older side; there are benefits to both and our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of children at their own pace and at whatever level.  We accomplish this by using developmentally appropriate practices, breaking into small groups of similar levels and by providing opportunities for teacher/child interactions through teaching in our learning centers.

Teddy Bears (2 to 3 year olds)
Mrs. Deborah and Mrs. Megan

The basics are introduced in this group with the essential ingredient being to build nurturing and trusting relationships with their teachers and friends.  There are opportunities for large group experiences as well as small group work which allow children to engage in activities and progress at their own developmental level.  It is amazing to watch the growth in this group as the year goes on.

Koalas (3 to 4 year olds)
Ms. Priscilla and Mrs. Andrea

Developmentally this age group is ready to embark on the next level of learning and a wonderful experience for those children who are close to or miss the cut off for pre-k. Our primary goal in this group is to provide these children with learning opportunities that expand on those earlier experiences. The small group and comfortable environment allows for enriching curriculum that continues to foster their development.

Note: Due to the increasing expectations and demands of primary education, we have experienced a trend developing in retaining children turning 4 between September 1st and December 2nd Many parents are choosing to wait the extra year as are families with children entering private schools as their criteria for entering Kindergarten is that a child is 5 by September 1st. 

The Koala group has proven to be a successful program for those children who have waited the extra year.  

A.M. Pre-k (4 to 5+) Mrs. Kristin, Mrs. Tammy and Mrs. Stacey
P.M. Pre-k (4 to 5+) Mrs. Andrea

Note: These students turn 4 by December 2nd and will go on to Kindergarten 2011-2012. 
 
Skills and concepts are taken to a higher level as these children are developmentally ready for more challenging tasks. Some of the elements added to the pre-k curriculum are letters of the week, working with advanced math concepts, and a strong emphasis on building language skills which are reflected in reading and writing and speaking and listening. Individual efforts as well as group-based projects are an integral part of the pre-k classroom as they begin to experience skills appropriate for Kindergarten. Planning and teaching of curriculum is based on observation and assessment which guide the teachers to plan according to individual learning interests, styles and needs. Our small group work allows for work which reflects further intentional teaching and where learning is at its best!!!!

PLEASE NOTE: Both of our Pre-k programs are excellent. They follow the same curriculum, engage in fun and enriching activities and use the same standards in preparing for Kindergarten. We do often recommend our afternoon pre-k program for children who work better in smaller groups (up to 16 children enrolled each day), for children who may be a young 4 as mentioned above in our Koala group and for those who may be repeating pre-k. As well as for those children who are registered in the morning and who stay for extended care at least until 3:00 p.m.

Lunch Bunch
(11:45 to 12:45 mixed age group)

Children are welcome to stay for lunch 11:45 to 12:45; this is a favorite social time for children and an opportunity to extend their morning with casual free-play time with their friends from all of the different groups.

Afternoon Extended Care (12:45 to 6:00 mixed age group)

The afternoon program brings new learning experiences to a child’s quiet and peaceful time of the day. After a busy morning, free-choice activities are provided such as cooking, gardening, reading, science, art, building and expanding on projects. The emphasis is on creating an environment that feels like home and a place that further nurtures relationships.