Our Classrooms

Goals:

To open a child’s mind to the beauty of science and the natural world;

To foster intellectual curiosity, creative expression and encourage discovery;

To create a community that promotes cross-cultural communication and respect and lays the foundation for empathic understanding;

To teach conflict resolution skills and provide opportunities for children to problem solve through a rich curriculum

Toddler - 15 months to 2 years 9 months

Our youngest classroom is a special place designed for children and families to have their first school experience. The classroom environment and the curriculum are designed to help children feel safe, nurtured and valued as individuals in our community. It is amazing to witness the developing relationships between a young child and his/her teachers and peers. For our youngest children these bonds create the environment where they want to come and learn. We are committed to the uniqueness of each family's experience and needs, and we celebrate and respect these differences in our community.

Our children and families feel that Tot Lot is an extension of home. As part of the home/school partnership, we integrate home languages, expressions, and some practices into our classroom. Our teachers learn some key words and incorporate these into the child�s classroom life. We provide children and families with the support, opportunities, guidance and models for forming meaningful, exciting and inclusive relationships. Very young children learn the importance of trying new things and experimenting with the world around them as they work, learn, and play together. As their self-esteem and self-awareness grows they find security in the relationships they have formed.

Preschool - 2 years 9 months to 5 years (or entering Kindergarten)

The Preschool curriculum is uniquely born with each group of children based on their emerging passions. We create experiences that celebrate each child's distinct abilities while also promoting cooperative learning. We want all children to feel good and excited about receiving help from and offering help to other members of the group.

Our curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge the children to reach new potentials. Preschoolers' physical, social, cognitive, and emotional growth and development are supported throughout all parts of the day. Whether working individually, or in a small or large group, children are encouraged to think creatively and thoughtfully. The process preschool children take to make discoveries is the most important aspect of our curriculum. Every situation in the classroom is a tool for authentic teaching. Children's early foundation in literacy, art, math, and science begins with a love for learning and meaningful experiences in these areas that promote understanding. Using anti-bias approaches, our teachers provide children with the opportunities to try new activities, develop their skills, and experience the excitement and desire for knowledge.