Our Classrooms: Infants, Toddlers, 3s & Pre-K 4s
Infants
We believe that infants learn from the entire experience the day provides. Routines are opportunities for learning. Our emphasis for infants is to provide:
- Rich Language experiences and interactions
- Generous allowance for child mobility, and even messy play!
- Challenges of the mind and body.
- The extensive use of the outdoors.
Infants will have freedom of movement and are provided an environment which encourages them to roll, reach, creep and crawl. Nap times will be correlated with home patterns whenever possible. Developmentally appropriate materials such as soft cuddly toys, textural areas, pull and push toys, unbreakable mirrors, books and simple puzzles and stacking toys will be available. Music, singing and finger plays will be introduced throughout the day.
The Infant Room can accommodate 8 Infants (Children from 6 weeks to 18 months) with a staff ratio of 1/4 infants.
Toddlers
Toddler routines are opportunities for learning and are essential in a toddler program. In addition to program goals mentioned under the infant program above, the Toddler Program is designed to:
- Empower each child to become a confident, lifelong learner.
- Promote all aspects of development: large and small motor, cognitive, perceptual, social, emotional, language, creative and expressive.
- Nurture a positive self concept.
Toddlers will have freedom of movement and are provided with an environment which allows them to stand, walk, jump, climb, push and pull. Developmentally appropriate materials such as sand and water and other sensory experiences such as play dough, crayons and paint will be part of the daily program. Cuddly toys, unbreakable mirrors, books, simple puzzles and stacking toys as well as other manipulative materials are available.
The Toddler Room can accommodate 10 Toddlers (Children from 18 months - 3 years) with a staff ratio of 1/5 toddlers.
Preschool (3s & Pre-K 4s)
The purpose of a Curriculum for these groups is to prepare the child for the transition to Kindergarten and older responsibilities such as socialization. At the same time, it is designed to be a fun experience. Subjects selected are developmentally appropriate and we make sure each child can get individual attention. Children are provided with many opportunities to develop social skills such as cooperating, helping, negotiating and interpersonal problem solving. The program has a daily routine which includes — Circle Time, Letter and Number Awareness and Formation and/or Phonetic Awareness and Understanding , Art Experiences, Dramatic Play and Music. The learning environment promotes the above interest areas to facilitate free choice of activities. There are many opportunities for small and gross motor development through various manipulative materials. Outdoor time is available in the morning and afternoon.
The 3s Classroom can accommodate 14 Threes with a staff ratio of 1/7 children. The Pre-K 4s Classroom can accommodate 16 Fours/Fives with a staff ratio of 1/8 children.