Curriculum

Our language arts curriculum builds and strengthens in word knowledge, language development, verbal expression and reasoning, social interaction and awareness. All of these are essential pre-reading skills. Children love to name and classify shapes, letters, numbers and natural forms such as shells, stones and leaves. Preschool gives children the opportunity to master specific words and concepts such as back, front, under, over, in, on, and up. Proficiency in these areas is achieved through circle time activities, finger play, story time, dramatic play, music, creative movement, free play both indoors and out and the use of specific software.

Our math curriculum exposes children to counting, numerical recognition nd reasoning, whole-part relationships, spatial relationships, and identifying and creating patterns. These skills are achieved through block-building, stringing beads, puzzle assembly, calendar activities and art activities. Manipulatives teach the children to sort, order and classify. Collecting, measuring and graphing are taught through cooking and nature activities.

The social studies curriculum is designed to open children to the world around them. We begin at the center of the child's experience -- themselves -- and spiral out to include the classroom community, the school community and the community beyond school. As we discuss, explore and experience the world, the children obtain information about themselves and their families. They mark change and growth from babyhood to the present. The children learn about difference thorough multicultural awareness and appreciation.

Teachers and Specialists

Each classroom has a head teacher who is state certified and has a master's degree in early childhood education and two qualified assistant teachers. Specialists in art, music, technology, gymnastics, library and science work with all of the classes.

The role of the classroom teacher is to plan experiences for optimal cognitive development, to organize an environment rich in material resources and most importantly to help each child develop a positive self-image. The teacher has a directive role in which she defines activities for the children while helping them make their own choices. The teacher is a well-educated and caring person who respects the children's need for security while encouraging autonomy.

The Schedule

Our preschool program begins in September and ends in the middle of June

• 2's - We offer multiple programs for the two-year-olds. For the younger two-year-olds we offer a half-day program from 8:45am to 11:45am. For this group we offer a choice of two or three mornings a week.
  For the older two-year-olds, we offer a half-day program from 8:45am-11:45am or from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. For this group we offer a chioce of five mornings or five afternoons.
• 3's - The program for the three-year-olds is five mornings from 8:45am to 12:30pm.
• 4's - For children entering the four-year-old's program we offer a full day program from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

Preschool Programs

Our program is based on our philosophy that preschool children can learn and therefore should be taught.  We focus on teacher-directed activities within an enriched curriculum.  We provide a comfortable setting with a rich assortment of materials and plenty of opportunity for interacting with peers.  Our program includes language arts activities, dramatic play, art experiences, computers, library, cooking,  creative movement, music, gymnastics, yoga, woodworking, outdoor play, and trips into the community.  Children have the opportunity to work and play individually and as part of a group.

We believe that the foundation of a good preschool education is arich sensory experience.  An integrated, holistic approach fosters the most productive development of the preschool child and lays a foundation for academic learning.  We encourage children to be independent, curious, alert, confident thinkers and problem solvers.

Programs for 2-Year-Olds

Two-year-olds are gentle, friendly little people.  Movement becomes more comfortable for them.  Emerging communications skills make it so much easier for two-year-olds to get what they want from the world.  Emotionally, they are calmer  surer, and better balanced than they were previously.  Two- year-olds are happy much of the time.  Teachers and parents work together to help the two-year-old become more secure at school.  As the children adjust, the teacher provides opportunities to expand language and develop motor control.  She guides social interaction with other children.  As a result, the two- year-old becomes a self-assured preschooler. 

Programs for 3-Year-Olds

Three-year-old children seem to blossom as we see the benefits of previous development come together and emerge in a more confident child.  They are secure physically and happy socially.  They enjoy other children.  Cooperative play begins to take place.  Language means a great deal to the three-year-old.  "We" is a favorite word, and "friend" enters the child's vocabulary.  Three-year-olds are physical beings who delight in the new found command they have of their bodies.  Our preschool setting is an ideal place for three-year-olds to flourish and grow.  Teachers encourage the spirit of three-year-olds and guide them in exploring their strengths and interests.

Programs for 4-Year-Olds

Four-year-olds are joyous, exuberant, energetic and ready for anything. They are excited by their freedom of self expression. A typical four-year-old loves adventure, new places, new games, new books, and new activities. It is a pleasure to provide a child of this age with the experiences of preschool. They are at ease with their abilities and independence. Nothing is better than the sparkling eyes of four-year-olds as they listen to a new book at story time or participate in an exciting nature activity. The questions asked and comments made by four-year- olds at circle time are filled with imagination and curiosity. They approach projects and activities with skill and concentration. By the end of the school year they are ready for kindergarten.