We are excited to announce that for Fall 2010 we will be adding an early childhood center to The Community School Trail Creek campus. The early childhood center, or ECC, will be open to children ages 2 to 5, and will include two, three and five day full and half day options. Tuition will be competitive with other local programs. The ECC will be based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, recognized internationally as an exemplary model of early childhood education and currently garnering great interest across the United States. Hallmarks of Reggio education are: a creative, stimulating and beautiful environment; an emergent curriculum drawn from the children's interests; collaborative project work including frequent outdoor experiences; in-depth art projects based in the 'atelier' or art studio; daily documentation of students' experiences; and parents as important and valued partners. The Reggio philosophy is an excellent fit with The Community School mission and program.
Janet Salvoni, currently a Community School first grade teacher, will be serving as the ECC coordinator and lead teacher. Janet has had Reggio training in both the US and Italy. Janet has already brought many aspects of the Reggio philosophy to her class, with great success. Lisa Dirksmeier will join the ECC staff as a teacher in the Fall of 2010. She has more than a decade of experience working and playing with young
children, nurturing both their minds and hearts. She is excited and
eager to implement the Reggio Emilia Approach, as she has a passion for
capturing the joy and wonder of early childhood discovery. She is
committed to supporting the creative capacity of children and ensuring
positive, authentic relationships with each of her students.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Robins, Director of Admissions, or Laura Kennedy, Elementary School Director.