Classes, Age Groups & Program Options
Age Group Descriptions
Families may choose to enroll their children in one of our five classes for three, four or five mornings per week. Morning sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. The afternoon programs continue from 12:30 p.m., with options to end at 2:30, 3:30, or 4:30. Children may be registered for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 afternoons per week in addition to their mornings. An early drop-off option is available starting at 7:30. Children's schedules must be confirmed by September 1st. Changes after September 1st are subject to an administrative fee of $200.00. Parents who wish to revise their child's schedule after September 1st may make a written request to the Director, who will evaluate the impact of the change on the program. The Director will respond to the request in writing. Schedule change requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the date of the desired change. Space permitting, the Center will continue to accept applications for enrollment after the start of the school year if space allows.
Ones/Twos Program (maximum of 8 students per day in Sky Room): The Ones/Twos Program provides an opportunity for our smallest peers to explore the world in which they live. A variety of materials are available for exploration each day, including books, soft toys, soft blocks, connectors, puzzles, as well as sensory and art materials. Outdoor play occurs every day, weather permitting. Napping and eating are scheduled on an individual basis. Activities are planned based on the interests and needs of the children in the group. As the children grow and become more capable of structured activities the program will grow and change with them. Throughout all activities the teachers talk with the children, constantly introducing them to new vocabulary and the nuances of conversation. The Center staff works with families to support continuity between home and school to make each child's first school experience a positive one.
Twos Program (maximum of 10 students per day in Meadow Room): The Twos Program provides direct exploration of the environment through opportunities to work with a variety of media. Activities are planned that involve the children working alone and as a part of the group, during which time the children meet physical, social, and intellectual challenges. Free activity periods, outdoor play, meeting times, and snacks are offered daily. With the aid of teaching and student assistants, the supervising teacher presents activities that support the growth of autonomy and enhance the development of language, social, and perceptual-motor abilities. Curricular themes are based on the children's budding interests and are explored through dramatic play, art and science projects, songs, storytelling, games, discussion, field trips, tactile activities, and block building. Each week, the Twos group has the opportunity to experience creative movement in the large room. Throughout the year the children will gain confidence in their growing abilities as learners, thinkers, communicators, and participants in the world around them. The Center staff works with families to support continuity between home and school to make each child's school experience a positive one.
Threes/Fours (pre-k) Program (maximum of 8 students per day in Earth Room and 14 students per day in Water Room): As children grow older and are exposed to more experiences their independence and confidence blossom. Through whole group, small group, and individual activities the children are encouraged to explore their surroundings and develop their social, cognitive, and physical abilities through their experiences. The children are supported by the teachers to both overcome challenges and strengthen abilities. The environment is used as a third teacher to support independence and encourage a lifelong love of exploration and learning. The class gathers together several times throughout the day to get better acquainted with each other, share work done in class, sing, act out stories, discuss ideas and experiences, learn new games and activities, and reflect on the day’s events. The outdoor and movement spaces are used to enhance the learning experiences of the children in the class.
Fours/Fives (pre-k) Program (maximum of 18 students per day in Sun Room): This program offers an intellectually stimulating environment. Through a variety of activities, the children will learn to become increasingly more independent both in their physical abilities and in their reasoning. The children will explore areas of interest while also expanding on their cognitive, social-emotional, artistic, and physical skills. Curricular themes are developed based on the interests of the children and the teachers as they emerge. The teachers build the curriculum by drawing from a thorough understanding of child development and classroom observations. Emerging literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills are woven into curricular themes. The classroom space itself transforms as children explore and express their different ideas, integrating new information into their knowledge of the world.
Afternoon Programs: A rest time or quiet time is part of the Afternoon Program as mandated by the State of Vermont. Art activities, and outside time are a big part of our afternoon class experience. We offer a 2:30, 3:30, or 4:30 pick-up times.
Early-Morning Drop-Off: A program of early-morning care starting at 7:30 is available for a limited number of children. Admission to this program is limited and is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
