CLASSROOMS

PERFORMANCE/COMMONS AREA

In the lobby area of the Center is a large performance area. This area is available for use by teachers in their curriculums and to move children out of the classroom for a change of environment. Children can put on plays, musicals, dance routines, poetry or book readings, etc. This area will also be used when we have guests in such as singers, writers, variety acts, etc. This area will be used for special activities such as gymnastics, yoga, music, and more.

When not in use, this will be a peaceful area where teachers can relax, parents can meet their children or teachers.

INFANTS/WALKERS/TODDLERS/TWO’S:

Continuity of care for infants through 2 year olds will provide an environment that keeps children and teachers together for as long as possible so that the child will not have to repeatedly form new relationships. Research has shown continuity of care to be most critical for infants and young toddlers. Teachers will stay with the same children for two years, moving to different classrooms which will have developmentally appropriate equipment for growing children.

Teachers and children will usually move to the next classroom in September every year but this is flexible so as to work with the needs of the children. For those infants and children that have just moved into a room (i.e., new enrollment), they will stay in the room until the next move occurs.

INFANTS (ratio 2:8 w/ floater)

Children 6 weeks through 9 months enjoy this beautiful classroom. The ratio is 1 teacher to 4 infants with a maximum of 8 infants in the room. We do not microwave bottles, but use hot water from a dispenser in the sink or heat them in a bottle warmer. Children are rocked, held and loved all day long. Each infant will be given a special, hand-made blanket with their name on it which they can use during their time at the center and then keep. Parents must supply formula or breast milk, jar food, disposable diapers and wipes.

WALKERS (ratio 2:8 w/ floater)

Children 9 through 18 months play together in this classroom. The ratio is 1 teacher to 4 children with a maximum of 8 children in the room. Children have plenty of space to practice their new walking skills and plenty of age-appropriate toys to begin learning about the world around them. Tables, chairs and shelving are child-sized. Parents must supply formula or breast milk, jar food, disposable diapers and wipes.

TODDLERS (ratio 2:8 w/ floater )

Children 18 through 24 months enjoy in this classroom. The ratio is 1 teacher to 4 children with a maximum of 8 children in the room. Tables, chairs and shelving are child-sized. A dramatic play area encourages toddlers to mimic the world around them. Toddlers in this room will have lots of space to play and have a large playground in which to investigate the wonders of the environment. This playground is separate from the older children and is shared by the Infants, Walkers, Toddlers and 2 year olds. Parents must supply formula or breast milk, jar food, disposable diapers and wipes.

TWO’S (ratio 2:12 w/ floater)

Two-year old children have plenty of space to play in this large classroom. The ratio is 1 teacher to 6 children with the maximum of 12 children in the room. There are many age appropriate toys, puzzles, sensory tables and activities for the very busy two-year old. Tables, chairs and shelving are child-sized. A story corner provides a comfortable quiet area for teachers to read to children once or twice a day to help children wind down from their hectic pace. Parents must supply disposable diapers and wipes.

THREE’S (ratio 2:20 w/ floaters)

Three-year olds have a giant, sunny classroom. The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to 10 children with a maximum of 20 children in the room. A dramatic play area is one of the highlights of this room. Many age appropriate activities are available to keep the children engaged and happy throughout the day. The three year olds will have their own garden to plant, manage and harvest. This is a great learning experience and the children love it.

4 / 5 YEAR OLDS (ratio 2:24 w/ floaters)

The 4 and 5 year olds learn in a very large classroom with direct access to the large playground. The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to 13 children with a maximum of 24 children in the room. Art supplies and a dramatic play area allow these creative children to express themselves as they learn about the world. Lots of fun activities are planned and supplied in the classroom. It is hoped that the Center can begin a relationship with the Senior Center in which the 4/5 year olds will travel to the Senior Center to read with the Seniors, sing songs, do plays, etc. In exchange, we also hope to encourage Seniors to come and volunteer at the Center. This is an important interaction that benefits both the children and the seniors. The 4 and 5 year olds will have their own garden to plant, manage and harvest. This is a great learning experience and the children love it.

SCHOOLAGERS (ratio 2:32 w/ floaters)

The Schoolagers will hang out in a large classroom with lots of computers, books and space to begin or complete homework. The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to 18 children with a maximum of 32 children in the room. Teachers will be available to help students with research, homework and more. Exciting themes and activities will be planned to keep the Schoolagers engaged and excited about coming to the center before and/or after school.

During the summer, Schoolagers will enjoy lots of activities such as the Roots and Shoots program (Jane Goodall Foundation), planting, maintaining and harvesting a garden, field trips, swimming and more.