Toddler & 2-year-old programs
3-year-old program
Toddler & 2-year-old programs
The Toddler program is for children 18 months old to 24 months old. To provide individualized attention for each child, the teacher-to-child ratio is 1:4. Children 18 - 24 months old are in small groups separate from the "big kids ", the 24 - 36 month olds. The teacher-to-child ratio in the 2-year-old program is 1:6. This allows each group time to receive individual attention as needed.
Children in the Toddler and the 2-year-old programs are exploring the world around them. Goals for this age group fall into four categories: social, emotional, self-help, and developmental/educational. Social and emotional skills include being able to participate in group activities, taking turns, showing respect for others, and sharing. Self-help skills include being able to follow simple two-step directions (for example, washing hands and then sitting down at the table), table manners, and toileting. Developmental/ educational goals include manipulation of crayons, paintbrushes, stacking blocks, running, climbing and riding bikes. Children identify basic shapes and colors, count to 20, recite the ABC's and recognize the first letter of their name. Throughout the day the teachers are modeling behavior for the children to follow. Children learn to use the toilet in a stress-free manner.
Each day begins with a circle time gathering, where children greet each other and the day, weather and other significant events are discussed. The monthly letters, colors and shapes are reviewed. During the day children participate in organized activities (either one-on-one or in small groups). Children enjoy healthy snacks and outside play time. The day closes with everyone participating in the classroom clean up, then gathering together for circle time that may include stories, music, finger plays and simple games.
Parents receive regular feedback from teachers and aides about class activities and programs, and about how their child is progressing. Parents are encouraged to meet with teachers and staff to discuss any issue. In addition, there are two regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences, two preschool concerts, and several open houses and other parent-teacher get togethers.
3-year-old program
Children in our 3-year-old program are actively involved in meeting new friends and discovering the world around them. They learn basic social and emotional self-help skills and beginning academic skills. Our curriculum is thematically oriented with projects encompassing each special theme. Children enjoy weekly Spanish, music and computer instruction.
All parents are encouraged to visit the classrooms and teachers throughtout the school year, to review their child's progress and to learn more about the school's programs. Parents and staff also meet at two regularly scheduled conferences, concerts, and several open houses and gatherings.
- Art facilitates discovery of one's unique creativity, using numerous art media in fun and exciting ways.
- Music & Creative Dramatics encourages the pure joy of music. Children learn French and Spanish through song and participate in two annual concerts.
- Citizenship fosters a sense of community responsibility and an attitude of positive action by which each of us can make a difference.
- Computers in the computer lab offer software programs that that are specially designed to support and enhance the preschool core curriculum.
- Geography, History, & Social Studies use hands-on experiences to familiarize children with differences in families, geographic locations and cultural heritage.
- Blocks & Various Related Toys enhance imaginative play, math development, and coordination.
- Housekeeping Materials, Dress-up Clothing, and Furnishings foster learning of everyday living skills, role playing, cooperation, and language development.
- Cooking Experiences teach how to follow recipes, helping with math and science concepts, and educate children about health and nutritional values.
- Stories and Sharing Experiences encourage language development through story dictation and discussions, and foster a love of literature.