The Pre-School Age Child

A Preschooler is a very unique individual. They have become more independent, can communicate fairly well, usually have mastered potty training, are ready and eager to begin settling down a bit for learning. Because of these and many other developmental milestones that these children have attained, we now get down to some serious learning and structure in their day.

We have a schedule that we follow in this classroom and follow a curriculum set up to work on pre-reading, math, writing and science skills. Some of the goals we are striving for in this class are knowledge of colors, shapes, letter and number recognition, and pre-writing skills.

Another very important area that we work on with these children is cleanliness and personal hygiene. We encourage the children to clean up after themselves to the best of their ability and stress hand washing procedures.

Our preschoolers get a chance to operate their own store.		Cooperative play and communication skills emphasized with our preschool children.		On our "Friends" week, we did "friendly" painting with our preschoolers.

The children at this age and stage of development are starting to form friendships. This is very encouraging to see, however, because of the newness of this and limited vocabulary and knowledge of feelings we do see a lot of frustration, anger and tears when differences of opinion arise. We encourage the children to communicate their thoughts and feelings to their classmates. At times we need to supply the words for the child to use.

It is our experience that children learn best when allowed to explore and arrive at answers and understand concepts through their own process of thinking. Trial and error is an acceptable means of making sense of the world.

We will strive to help your child grow in his/her emotional, physical and cognitive abilities by providing safe, loving and consistent care.

The Pre-Kindergarten Child

The Pre-Kindergarten child is at a great learning threshold in their lives. They have begun the learning process. They should know some basics now and are ready to move and build on this foundation. They will be entering school in a year and have some hurdles to overcome in this next year. We have communicated with the area Kindergarten teachers and they have given us some ideas of what things the students just entering school should know or be able to do. We will be working with your child on those things that they need to accomplish. In addition to these things we do have a daily schedule in place and planned curriculum each day.

We continue in our efforts to advance their self-help skills and also work with them in their social development with one another and with the adults in their lives.

"Look at my pizza!"		Fine motor development is a focus for our Preschoolers and Pre-Kindergarteners as they begin to write letters.		Creativity is always encouraged.

We cover things each day, which include: day of the week, date, month and year. The concepts of yesterday, today and tomorrow are talked about. Weather is discussed on a daily basis. We allow a period of time each day for the children to engage in free play so as to foster their own creativity.

It is our experience that children learn best when allowed to explore and arrive at answers and understand concepts through their own process of thinking. Trial and error is an acceptable means of making sense of the world.

We will strive to help your child grow in his/her emotional, physical and cognitive
abilities by providing safe, loving and consistent care.

The School-Age Child

We offer gymnastic and dance classes on a weekly basis.

The School-Age child presents a very special and unique challenge to us. These children can either come to us early in the morning and spend some time with us before school or arrive after a long day filled with learning or both. They have already spent a good part of their day learning when they arrive in the late afternoon. We strive to strike a balance for them between rest, recreation, stimulation, and social advancement.

We do have a curriculum set up for them to follow, however, they do not have to join in with the others if they choose not to. They could choose to read quietly in their library area, do their own homework, or choose to do some other quiet activity. We do strive to give them opportunities to work on homework that they may have. We also try to get them outside for a period of time to release extra energy.

On the days that they don't have to go to school, we do follow the schedule in the classroom and do the curriculum posted. If they have a vacation from school, we try to take them on at least one if not two field trips in that week. During summer vacation, we have a summer camp program that includes three or more field trips a week and planned curriculum.

It is our experience that children learn best when allowed to explore and arrive at answers and understanding concepts through their own process of thinking. Trial and error is an acceptable means of making sense of the world.

We will strive to help your child grow in his/her emotional, physical and cognitive abilities by providing safe, loving and consistent care.