PROGRAMS

Our curriculum reflects our goals and philosophy.  While we realize that Kindergarten readiness depends a lot on growth and development, social skills and attitude, we also understand the changes taking place in the public education system.  Standards have been put in place that require much more from students than in the past.  Keeping this is mind, we spend time with each child developing their skills in areas appropriate for their age and readiness level.

Three year olds often come to nursery school with very limited experience in group activities.  Therefore, the emphasis early in the school year is on socialization as well as the adjustment to separation from home.  Children learn to enjoy the play activities while respecting the rights of their playmates.  They learn to become comfortable with the routines of the class experience, such as taking part in circle time and other group activities.  The teacher plans themes for the day and chooses projects, stories, songs and other activities around the themes which include such varied topics as teddy bears, colors, shapes, holidays, textures, sizes, animals, health, and science.  Recognizing numbers one through five and simple letter recognition (such as letters in the child’s name) are introduced throughout the year.

Four year olds may be new to our program or may have attended our school the previous year.  They generally adjust to the routines fairly quickly and enjoy their new classroom.  They learn to relate to the new friends in their class and also enjoy seeing old friends return.  The teachers choose themes for the day as mentioned above, but the projects are a little more challenging for the four year olds who are generally becoming more adept at handling scissors and using crayons than they were the year before.  Circle time activities include finger plays, counting, songs, and poems.  Recognition of numbers one through ten and letters/sounds are introduced.  Children begin working on writing their name.  Increased independence in dressing, bathroom time, and use of cubbies is developed during this year. 

Kindergarten Prep  children (generally older 4's and 5's) may have attended our nursery school or another nursery school. They are able to function in a class  without parent-helpers under the direction of a certified teacher. What makes this class different from a regular nursery school program is that the teachers use differentiated instruction. This means that every child is taught skills at their own pace, often times in small group. Knowing that public school standards have risen in recent years, we feel that by using this type of instruction we are assured each child will be given every opportunity to reach his or her potential. Learning to play well together is still an improtant developing skill. Small motor and large motor activities are still emphasized. Listening and thinking skills are nurtured. Letter/sound and number recognition of one through twenty, as well as science and math concepts are studied in depth. By the end of the year the children are printing their names well. It is hoped that the year spent in this class gives the children the tools they need for a happy, postitive, and successful experience in public school.

POLICIES

DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENTS/PORTFOLIOS

Each teacher will set goals for their class that are developmentally appropriate for their age level and are consistent with the school’s philosophy and curriculum.  The teachers will use a variety of methods to document each child’s progress toward achieving these goals.  They will also be keeping a confidential portfolio that contains information about how each individual child is progressing and the portfolio will be distributed to the parents at the end of the year. 

        Our three year old teachers will be sending home a monthly progress report that will provide parents with information about how their child is progressing within their classroom environment.  The parents will need to sign them and are encouraged to add any comments that they feel may be helpful.  The reports must then be returned to the teacher so that they can be included in the child’s portfolio.  Parents are urged to set up a conference at any time during the year if they feel a need.  Teachers will be contacting parents with any concerns they may have about your child.

          Four year old and Pre-Kindergarten teachers will be doing an ongoing assessment of each child based on their goals.  They will be sending home monthly reports that will provide parents with information regarding their individual child’s progress.  These must also be returned to the teacher to be included in the portfolios.  Feel free to contact your child’s teacher at any time with any questions or concerns.  All parents of Pre-K and four year old children are encouraged to talk to your child’s teacher at any time if they wish to set up a conference.