- Matching the age and abilities of the children.
- Outdoor time, both structured and unstructured, every day.
- At least two large blocks of time for child-directed learning.
And include:
- Morning and Afternoon Group Time
- Small-Group Activities
- Morning and afternoon child-directed learning in learning centers
- Outdoor play and activities
- Snack and meals
- Rest time
Open – 6:30 a.m.
Arrival and Breakfast 9:00am-9:30pm
Children participate in quiet activities and have many free play activities. The children visit with each other until most children have arrived around 8:00am.
Community Time
Children come together to welcome each other and talk briefly about the day’s events.
9:30 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
Learning Center Activities
Teacher begins a theme-related activity in one of the learning centers. Children participate and explore other learning centers with theme-related experiences that change weekly.
10:10 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
Outdoor Play
Children enjoy structured and unstructured play outdoors.
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Children wash their hands, help set tables, and prepare to eat lunch family‑style.
12:15 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Rest Time
Children nap or rest quietly. As children wake up, they can select from different quiet activities such looking at books.
3:05 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learning Centers
Teacher begins a theme-related activity in one of the learning centers. Children participate and explore other learning centers with theme-related experiences that change weekly.
4:00p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Outdoor Play
Children participate in structured and unstructured play outdoors.
4:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Focus Activity
Children participate in a whole-group activity from one of five weekly focus areas, both inside and outside the classroom.
Community Time
Children come together to talk about the day’s events as well as any special events planned for the following day. Other activities include read-aloud and a song or fingerplay.
Learning Centers
Children explore and play in the learning centers on their own.
6:00 p.m. Closing
Our Approach and Practices
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach began in the Municipal Infant-Toddler Centers and Preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and has inspired other schools all over the world. It is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community. It emphasizes exploration and discovery in a supportive enriching environment based on the interests of children. In this approach children have some control over the direction of their learning and have many ways and opportunities to express themselves. Parents are also a key component and are viewed as important partners and collaborators.
This Approach surrounds and guides all that we do. It is the primary basis of our program.
Our Approach to Education
Children’s brains develop most rapidly between birth and age five, thus these are the most important years of growth, development, and learning. This period builds the foundation for life-long learning and achievement.
Our program is based on a wide range of the best, research-backed early education practices designed to ensure school readiness and provide a strong educational foundation. We believe learning is fun and that children learn best through hands-on play and active participation. These beliefs guide us in creating our warm, supportive and engaging learning environments. It is essential to us that your child feels safe, secure, and loved.
Enlightened Nutrition
Our talented chef creates meals and food that is elevated and elegant. Our children are exposed to wide variety of tasty and healthy foods. We prepare almost everything fresh and on-site daily, including soup stocks and sauces. We are committed to using local, organic, humane produce and meats whenever possible with a commitment to increasing these options as we foster new and exciting relationships with local purveyors. We support local farms and have a goal that the majority of our food comes from within 50 miles of our school by 2015. For us, this is a life choice, not just a fad.
Parents can rest assured that each meal is carefully planned to ensure that children’s nutritional requirements are always met.