We believe that each child brings a unique set of skills to the classroom and we respect each child's unique gifts while we help every child develop greater social skills, problem solving skills, self awareness and a sense of wonder and creativity. We take a relationship-based approach to learning. Our classes include opportunities for children to develop skills across developmental domains, with
an emphasis on language, social skill, self-awareness, and problem solving. The curriculum is designed so children have the opportunity to learn in both small groups and large groups, and also are provided support through one-on-one interaction with teachers and peers. We foster a sense of community of care by working closely as a team of learners. Parents are learning about their own children while supporting the development of other children in the classroom. The lead teacher acts as a lead instructor at times but also supports parents in the classroom and learning from their interactions with children. Everyone is learning from each other in this model of care. Also offered are plenty of opportunities for quiet play or individual play. Our classes are designed to offer children both small and large group activities where on any given day they are learning new concepts, ideas in relationship to each other. We are a community of learners and both parents and the lead teacher work together closely to lead and support activities within the classroom. We share the role of teacher and act as models and supports for the children in the classroom. Both parents and teachers learn from each other as we share ideas and ways of leading and supporting children in their play while we stay committed to honoring and respecting each child's unique gift and contribution to the classroom. At the same time a child's sense of wonder and creativity is fostered and supported. We have one classroom that is specifically designated to art/sensory play and our outdoor play area includes an interactive garden. Our curriculum themes draw from our observations of children in the classroom, what they are talking about, drawn to, and interested in. Each class offers a variety of activities around a theme so that each child gets the opportunity to learn a concept from many different angles. Any one theme can be presented in a multitude of ways to encourage learning on many levels. Our Programs
Minnows
Ages: 12 months to 18 months
Our Minnows program is designed for 12-18 month olds. It offers an opportunity to begin to socialize with other children, to explore independent play with and without a parent, and to experience new activities and challenges in art, movement, and music. It is a two-day program offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. The program size is limited to 12 students total, keeping a teacher to student ratio of 1:2. All parents in this program work in the classroom on a consistent day either weekly or every other week. Guppies
Ages: 18 months to 24 months
Our Guppies program is the next step serving 18-24 month olds in a morning or afternoon program. The program facilitates a deepening of social relationships, stronger classroom cooperation, and longer days full of joyful, enriching activities. This program also offers more independence with an option for a lower work commitment from the parent. The class size is limited to 12 students, keeping a teacher to student ratio of 1:3. Parent work schedules include: work once a week (“Teaching”), work once every other week (“Half-Teaching”), or drop off (“Non-Teaching”). The morning program is offered from 9 AM to 12:00 PM and there is a minimum requirement of two days. The afternoon program is offered 3 PM to 5:30 PM and is only offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. All days are required. Koi
Ages: 24 months to 4 years
Our Koi program serves ages 24 months to four years in a morning or afternoon program. This group continues with active play while still incorporating guided structure with developmentally appropriate activities. Children will be enrolled in peer groups i.e. core groups of 2-3 year olds or 3-4 year olds in a mixed age setting. The class size is limited to 20 students, keeping a teacher to student ratio of 1:4. The morning program is offered from 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM. The afternoon program is offered from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. There are 2, 3, and 5 day participant options.
