Programs and Policies

CURRICULUM

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.

Ready Two Grow is for two year olds who are ready for some socialization. This class is designed for caregiver/child participation and meets once a week from September through June. With a trusted adult nearby, children are free to play with toys, books, and puzzles, enjoy a sensory table and begin basic interaction with peers their own age. The teacher encourages structured times into the schedule where the children clean up together, join for a brief circle time to hear a story, sing a song or even do some dancing! A hands on exploration craft is available for the children to do as well.

Three year olds

This program is for any child who turns three by December 1 of the current school year. Three-year olds often come to preschool 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 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 ten and simple letter recognition (such as letters in the child’s name) are introduced throughout the year.

Two-Day 3’s meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 2 ½ hours each day either in the AM or PM.

Three-Day 3’s meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the AM or Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the PM for 2 ½ hours each day.

Pre-K Classes

This program is for any child who turns four before December 1 of the current year. This class enables students to participate in a classroom designed to offer the important elements of traditional “preschool” while reaching their academic potential. The uniqueness of this program is two-fold. The children in the 4-Year old class will learn the fundamentals of entering school such as sharing, learning to follow routine, and separating from parents. Coupled with that is our awareness of the changes in academic requirements for public school. We assure that each child will be given every opportunity to reach his or her potential. Learning to play well together is an important developing skill. Small motor and large motor activities are both 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. The children practice printing their names well. The year spent in this class gives the children the tools they need for a happy and positive experience in public school.

Four-Day Pre-K meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 2 ½ hours each day in either the AM or PM.

Five-Day Pre-K meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for 2 ½ hours each day in the AM or PM

ORIENTATION FOR THREE YEAR OLDS

The first week of school is an orientation process for the children. For some of them, this is their first experience of separation from the parent, and it may be difficult for them. Therefore, our three year old classes are split into two groups; so that only half of the class is there at a time. In this smaller group, the teacher can give more attention to each individual child. In addition, we do not schedule parent-helpers the first few weeks so that all children can experience separation from parents/caregivers. The first days of class are shorter than a normal class (see orientation schedule that follows).

We generally recommend that parents do not stay during these orientation days. We feel that separation must be faced eventually, and it is usually better to “get it over with.” However, you know your child better than we do, and if you feel you prefer to stay, please talk to the teacher about it ahead of time. Another option is to contact the director and arrange to visit the school with your child BEFORE the first orientation day in order to familiarize him/her with the room. Other ways to prepare your child are to simply point out the building as you drive by in the weeks before school begins or to come peek in the windows. Convey an air of excitement and fun so that your child looks forward to the first day.

Orientation schedule for THREE YEAR OLD CLASSES:

First Day

    • group “A” 45 minutes (9:00-9:45) or (12:30-1:15)
    • group “B” 45 minutes (10:45-11:30) or (2:15-3:00)

Second Day

    • group “A” 1 hour (9:00-10:00) or (12:30-1:30)
    • group “B” 1 hour (10:30-11:30) or (2:00-3:00)

Third Day

    • all children 1 ¾ hours (9:00-10:45) or (12:30-2:15)

Fourth Day

    • all children 2 ½ hours (9:00-11:30) or (12:30-3:00)


BIRTHDAYS

We welcome parents to come in with a special treat on or near their child's birthday to share with the class.

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 portfolio that contains information about how each individual child is progressing including examples of class work. The portfolio will be distributed at the end of the year.

Our three year old teachers will be using journals on a daily basis as well as making daily observations to monitor how your child is progressing within their classroom environment. Parents are urged to set up a conference at any time during the year if they feel a need. Likewise, teachers will be contacting parents with any concerns they may have about a child.

Pre-K teachers will be doing frequent individualized assessments of each child based on their goals, as well as notes and comments on individual work done in the classroom. Please be watching for these. Feel free to contact your child’s teacher at any time with questions, concerns, or to request a conference.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SCREENINGS

A free speech and language screening will occur in the summer/fall with a re-screening as deemed appropriate. You will be given a permission slip with details to read and sign before the screening takes place.

REFERRALS

Whenever a teacher has concerns about a child’s development, she will contact the parents and suggest referral to the appropriate agencies for more complete testing (such as physical examination, hearing tests, speech evaluation, etc.).

Likewise, WHENEVER parents are concerned about their child, they are encouraged to contact the teacher and/or director for a conference.

SPECIAL NEEDS

If your child has special needs, please let us know as soon as possible so we may work in conjunction with your family, therapists, and other professionals. If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan, please provide a copy for the school. Generally, arrangements may be made to have therapists work with a child either in the classroom or to meet with the child directly before or after class.