Pre-School Programs
Angelfish (0-18 months)
Our programs for infants are based on the latest brain research. We know the importance of stimulation at this early age. These children are stimulated with a variety of music including children’s and classical. The teachers read to them often. They are given many objects to sense by means of touch, taste, smell, hear, and sight which promote the development of the brain. Our infants are also introduced to sign language as early as five months. Sign language is used in cooperation with verbal language. Studies have proven that children exposed to sign language increase their verbal skills dramatically. Each infant receives plenty of individual time which includes language communication, stretching, exercises, and infant massage. These children are provided with lots of love and encouragement in developing their new skills. The ratio of children to teachers is 4 to 1 with a maximum class size of 16. Diapers are routinely changed every two hours and at any indication of a bowel movement. They are fed according to their individual schedule and parent specifications. We also support breast feeding mothers. The teachers partner with the families to ensure continuity between home and school. The parents will be informed daily of the child’s activities with an individualized daily form. Each child’s development is documented in a portfolio which the parents will receive at the end of the school year.
Starfish (12-30 months)There are many skills acquired at this stage of a toddler’s development, as well as their desire for independence. Our program focuses on developing these new skills while fostering the child’s need to do for themselves. The children begin to feed themselves, use sippy cups, sleep on toddler cots, and complete small tasks, such as putting away a toy. They are stimulated with a variety of activities to satisfy their short attention span. The toddler class includes lots of physical exercise to increase their large motor skills and introduces smaller manipulatives to increase their fine motor skills. Excellent early childhood development toys provide stimulation vital in developing these fine motor skills as well as the brain. Stimulation continues through this stage and there is additional emphasis on language development. This development is achieved through music, children’s books, peer interaction and sign language. Sign language is introduced as early as 5 months and is reinforced in all our classrooms. The learning environment is designed to enable the children to develop in a “safe and soft” atmosphere. This exceptional development program is integrated with first rate care for the toddler. The child to teacher ratio is 4 to 1 with a maximum class size of 16. Parents will be informed of the child’s day through an individualized daily form. The child’s progress will be documented in a portfolio which will be sent home at the end of the year.
Dolphins (24-40 months)
The program for two and three year olds provides many stimulating activities to facilitate their development. We do many “hands on, minds on” activities which include sorting, counting, marching to music, and painting. Our program addresses every area of the child’s development. The environment is rich with developmentally stimulating toys to help facilitate their development. The NIFTI system, along with many other manipulatives, is used to promote fine motor skills and math concepts. We help these children build language by speaking with them and reading a lot of books. Our program provides weekly Spanish lessons. We continue to assist these children in their quest for independence by fostering other life skills, such as: learning to dress themselves, put away their things, and serve snack. Children may participate in field trips, have class celebrations, and special guests. The child to teacher ratio is six to one with a maximum class size of thirty-two. Each child receives a daily report indicating how they did that day. It informs families of the menu, activities, and diaper changing/ potty development for that day. The Dolphins will also have their development documented in a portfolio which will be sent home at the end of the year.
Whales, Sharks, & Seahorses (3-5 years)Our Pre-Kindergarten Program is excellent for the child who has been previously enrolled in pre-school as well as the child who will be experiencing pre-school for the first time in preparation for Kindergarten. We utilize manipulatives to teach math and science concepts. We encourage their language development by reading with them. Each child will develop readiness skills they will need to be successful in Kindergarten. Other skills your child will develop include: writing their name, knowing their phone number and address, recognition of letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. All of this material is presented in creative and innovative ways ensuring that your child will enjoy learning and be motivated to continue to explore. Our program also includes lessons in Spanish, music, cooking and using language. Pre-Kindergarten students attend a field trip each month and have lots of class parties! Your child’s day will be filled with interesting and fun learning activities. The child to teacher ratio is ten to one with a maximum class size of twenty. You will receive information regarding your child through daily class notes posted in the class, frequent communication with your child’s teacher, student portfolios, and other assessments.
School Age ProgramsKindergarten
The Kindergarten program is a full day, accelerated program. This program teaches reading and writing using the Building Blocks method. It builds on the knowledge obtained in a Pre-Kindergarten program. Your child will begin immediately working on phonemic awareness and reading skills. They will increase their abilities in math, science, art and social studies. There are weekly lessons in Spanish, music, sign language, and cooking. The small class size ensures plenty of individual attention for your child. The child to teacher ratio is sixteen to one with a maximum class size of sixteen. The full day format provides care for your child before and after the Kindergarten Program. Kindergarten students and their parents can look forward to monthly field trips, class parties, and a wonderful cap and gown graduation ceremony. Our graduate’s scores on the Metro Readiness Test are well above average and they find themselves at the top of their first grade class. Each child’s development will be documented in individual portfolios. Students will also receive quarterly report cards and other assessments.
Before and After School ProgramThe Before and After School Program is an exceptional program which caters to the needs of today’s families. Children are provided transportation, a nutritious snack, group and individual activities, as well as homework time with a teacher available for tutoring and enrichment work. We transport to many elementary schools in the area. A bus from the Orchard Farm School District transports to our center. Parents MUST notify us if their child will be absent or will be picked up by another source. We do not transport on days St. Charles City School buses do not transport due to inclement weather, however, we do provide care for your school-ager on these days for an additional fee.
