Infants
Our infant program starts at 6 weeks through about 14 months of age with our ratios being 1 to 4. Our goal is to make the routines you have at home transitional to the school environment as much as possible. Our nurturing and caring staff have taken the required infant classes along with CPR and first aid courses. Our infant environment will concentrate on cognitive and motor development, which will be integrated with music, reading, singing and interactive group and individual time. Changing and feeding times also allows a special time to bond with our babies. Daily sheets will record each baby changing times, feedings, and napping times. Outside times may begin around six months of age where babies can wear sunscreen and their motor activities are more developed. Personal family interactions are an important part of our program as it builds a stronger partnership between staff and families.
Toddlers
Infants transition to our Toddler program once they are up and walking on their own and are down to one nap a day. This age group start at around 13 months to just under age two. At this stage, toddlers are eating regular table food and have transitioned to a sippy cup. Ratios continue to be 1 to 4. Each teacher will interact with a group of four exploring art, music, story-time, puppets, group time and discovering our learning centers each day. Outside time occurs in the morning and afternoon for about 40 minutes. Continued interactions and communications with parents are strongly encouraged and very important to our program. Daily sheets are documented on each child showing changing times, what was eaten, and daily activities.
Two’s
Our Two’s program is separated into two groups. The first six months is in group one and the last six months in group two. Within this age there can be a notable difference in a child’s development and readiness, such as, language, independence, motor, emotions, and independent play. Although Licensing requires a 1 to 12 ratio we try to maintain a 1 to 10 ratio due to development. In our classroom’s environment art, music, circle time is introduced, along with counting, fine motor and center exploration is explored throughout the day. Outside time of 45 minutes occurs once in the morning and afternoon. Eating and socializing with peers occurs during meal time as well. The start of potty training may begin at this age too. Parents and teachers will meet and discuss this plan when the child is ready, no additional charge. General documentation to parents about their child’s activities is done daily.
Preschool Class
Our Preschool class is for our children who are three years age. Classes are divided into two groups; the first six months is in our older group and the last six months of the years is in our younger group. The Preschool class starts a routine of a more structured program. Group play is more developmental within this age group. Patience, maturity, verbal expression and thought processes are seen while following directions. Circle time is held at the beginning of each day where stories, songs, dance, interactions with peers, games and sharing occur. In our learning centers you see the beginning of social interaction among peers and how their expression of care, empathy and communications along with creativity are seen. Teachers work with children in small groups and can provide extra help for those who may need some extra support in their learning. Art, science, cooking, math, fine motor, learning about letters and sounds are now introduced and practiced. Potty training may still be a process for some within this age group.
Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-K involves students within the ages of four and five years of age. This group of children will work to prepare themselves for entering Kindergarten the following year. Pre-K is divided into two groups. The older group is in our first group with birthdays in the first six months of the year. Our second group has birthday in the last six months of the year. In this age group you will still see a readiness and maturity difference in some children. The classroom provides a structured routine that is needed for Kindergarten’s transition. Our learning centers are still offered with the daily activities to provide opportunities of expression, reinforcement of learning concepts, peer socialization and a freedom of just ‘play’. Circle time begins the day where a calendar and events of the day are introduced, along with sharing of job responsibilities, reading books, songs, dance and share time. Group time learning begins with teachers introducing academics of the week. Academics may include, letter recognition, sounds, basic site words, fine motor, art, math concepts, cooking activities and more. Group interactions between pre-kindergarteners allows them to work on feelings and self-control, emotions, empathy, sharing of ideas, empathy, kindness and a sense of proudness for self and others.