Classroom information
Younger infants – 6 weeks to 12 months
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to represent home-like environments filled with light and natural materials. There is a balance between active and quiet play, allowing plenty of time for cuddling, reading stories, and enjoying and exploring the outdoors.
The class ratio is 4:1. Most of our classrooms have 8 infants enrolled and two primary teachers assigned. Their schedules are supported by our flex staff who cover early mornings, breaks, lunches, evenings, and days off.
Parent involvement is an integral part of our program experience and encourages all enrolled families to regularly view their child’s Learning Stories in each child’s classroom portfolio. Learning Stories are a form of authentic assessment which captures a learning observation which is then written in a narrative story format. The teacher then adds their interpretation of what learning is taking place. Your child’s teacher will also create an individualized lesson plan focused on supporting goals related to achieving developmental milestones.
Daily conversations at pick up and drop off are also encouraged and a great time to share information with your child’s teachers. Regular conversations allow teachers and families to establish and maintain continuity of care for the infants.
Older infants – 12-16 months
The class ratio is still 4:1. This age group is beginning to use many different strategies to communicate their wants and needs, and we will be watching closely for their cues. The teachers will begin to gather the children to sing songs, read stories, and engage in group activities a couple times a day, otherwise the children will be free to explore and move about the room as they investigate materials and engage with friends. PreToddler classrooms are equipped with various climbing materials. This skill is very important to the children and the teachers will sit close by when the steps are open to facilitate their use of the steps. The children will be using the outdoor space every day. They will need hard-soled shoes every day and will need to be dressed appropriately for the weather.
During meal times, the children are seated in small chairs at low tables and we will begin to encourage them to use a spoon to feed themselves. Sippy cups will replace bottles so you will no longer need to bring bottles from home. We serve cold whole milk with every meal and water throughout the day for thirst.
The mid-day nap period begins around 12:45 p.m. when the lights are lowered after lunch, and ends at 3:00 p.m. Some children will need a short nap/rest in the morning as they transition to a new routine. The classrooms have quiet areas where they can lay and rest/nap as they need. The cots for this age group are low to the ground and spaced throughout the room for visibility. Parents provide a jersey-knit, regular crib sheet and a blanket for their cot. Teachers sit close by and help the children settle.
Junior toddlers – 16-24 months
Our junior toddler environment is designed to encourage autonomy and social-emotional growth. Our child-centered curriculum is based on everyday experiences and interests as children learn through play and natural exploration of their environment. As a junior toddler, your child will be offered a wider range of materials and experiences, and begin working on additional independence skills. Sippy cups will continue to be used for a while, but we will transition to open-top cups as they show readiness.
The Reggio Emilia approach focuses on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community. Our philosophy is paired with the STREAMin3 Curriculum. Our emergent curriculum is guided by the children’s interests and ideas. Your child will be busy each day exploring, experimenting, and observing. Children are encouraged to share their ideas and make connections between real life and imaginary play. The class ratio is 5:1.
Toddlers – 2 year olds
Our toddler environment is designed to encourage curiosity and wonder. This is accomplished by teachers providing provocations, or invitations, to learning. Toddlers are offered multiple opportunities for engagement with materials. Your child will be busy each day with our STREAMin3 curriculum exploring, experimenting, and observing. The teachers act as co-researchers and partner with your child in their learning and discovery. Toddlers are allowed to experiment in their own way, make mistakes, and find new solutions. This approach supports the growing independent mindset of a two-year old.
Toddlers are beginning to be able to dress and undress, even their shoes. They can serve their own plate during meals and assist with cleaning after they eat. At some point you and your child’s teacher will determine the best time to start potty training. It is very important to create a supportive plan for your child which everyone is familiar with. Families continue to be an essential partner in their child’s education.
Early preschool – 3-4 year olds
Our preschool environment is designed to encourage collaboration between children and teachers. Our goal is to allow your child to explore their interests, while building the fundamental skills required to become an independent learner. Our philosophy is paired with the STREAMin3 Curriculum. Your child will be busy each day exploring, experimenting, and observing. The teachers act as co-researchers and partner with your child in their learning and discovery.
Teachers present provocations in the environment to provoke curiosity and wonder. These moments become catalysts for learning opportunities. Children will have regular opportunities to interact with teachers and children outside of their assigned classroom. Each day children make a daily plan with their intentions of what they would like to engage with.
Some preschool children will begin transitioning to a shorter nap or no nap at all. All children need to rest quietly on their cot. After the first half hour of nap time, a child may look at books or use quiet activities on their cot.
We welcome family participation, engagement, and questions.
Pre-K – 4-5 year olds, eligible to start kindergarten the next school year