Parents attend class with their child every week (one morning per week). They are there to observe their child and learn from the teachers and other parents. Children experience a safe and supportive environment where they can develop a sense of trust with teachers (and other adults); and be with other children.

Physically, the 2s explore the outdoor setting (creek, hillside, rocks) and develop skills on the climbing structures. The garden and sand and water play are key activities for this class. Lots of different tactile experiences (finger painting, play dough, textures) are offered.

Socially, the 2s engage mostly in parallel play with their classmates. They come together at cooking time and at circle time where they begin to learn how to be part of a group. Cooking is an integral part of the morning, both the preparation of the food and the sharing of it with classmates and teachers. The children come to understand where food comes from; and they have the opportunity to try new and different foods.

Indoors, there are lots of manipulative materials - e.g. puzzles, magnets, building blocks, farm, trains, cars, animals. A variety of art experiences are presented. There are materials for role playing and dress-up. Small animals like guinea pigs are part of the classroom. Stories, songs, finger-plays and movement are introduced, especially at Circle Time. Music and rhymes and silly songs are woven into the activities.

This first "school experience" is sensitive to the age and developmental level of two year olds. It is fun and engaging; safe and supportive.

Parents attend class once a week with two children (their own plus their carpool partner's child). This class usually has the youngest of the 3s and there is less socializing than in the older classes. There may be a greater dependence on parents and teachers. Individual and parallel play is typical early in the year.

The class provides a nurturing environment as children take steps toward more independence. Children are encouraged to enter into more cooperative play through the use of words and the successful handling of conflict. Language development, self-expression, and physical activity are important aspects of all activities.

Parents attend once a week and are responsible for three children (their own plus their two carpool partners' children). Children in this class are generally more active, more socially aware and adept, more adventuresome and anxious to try new activities and assert their independence. Teachers watch, guide, facilitate, and usually step back to let the children solve their own problems and conflicts.

Children attend and participate in Circle Time activities, songs and conversations. Language and school readiness skills are developed through conversation, discussions, science projects and special materials. Hikes and field trips challenge the physical abilities of the children and respond to their increasing independence.

Parents attend once a week and are responsible for three children (their own plus their two carpool partners' children). Children are usually very involved in group play and initiate many of the activities. Some projects take several class periods or weeks to complete. Children are held responsible for their actions and required to follow through on conflict resolution. They are required to attend Circle Time and are expected to help with cleanup.

Language and readiness skills are developed through drama, journal writing, special projects and introduction to other cultures and languages. Hikes are longer and more demanding to reflect the children's physical capabilities. Field trips add adventure and richness to the program.

The Saturday afternoon class is adopting a multi-age, family-oriented format for 2009-10. Read more...

This class is for 3, 4 & 5-year-olds and their older siblings (up to 1st grade). Parents attend class with their child every week. Children in this class are generally more active, more socially aware and adept, more adventuresome and anxious to try new activities and assert their independence. Teachers watch, guide, facilitate, and usually step back to let the children solve their own problems and conflicts.

Children attend and participate in Circle Time activities, songs and conversations. Language and school readiness skills are developed through conversation, discussions, science projects and special materials. Hikes and field trips challenge the physical abilities of the children and respond to their increasing independence.

Note: enrolling in this class does not give you priority registration status for the following year, but enrolled families in good standing in this class are guaranteed enrollment in this class the following year.

Information on our summer program will be published later this year.