Early Childhood Program Curriculum

Greeting Time/Free Exploration: 8:15-9:00 a.m.

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Arrival time is between 8:15 and 9:00 a.m. Children transition from their parents at different rates, therefore some children may take more time to say goodbye than others. It is important that all children are settled by 9:00 a.m. so we can join together as a community, clean up, and prepare for Morning Circle.

Morning Circle and Snack: 9:00-9:30 a.m.

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Our Morning Circle can include any or all of the following: we sing, listen to stories, share news, discuss classroom events, develop projects, collaborate, negotiate, resolve conflicts, and revisit our documentation. We also come together and share a healthy snack.

Enrichment Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

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After our snack we discuss the areas of the classroom that are open for exploration. The children choose from a variety of areas where they can investigate and work on ongoing projects. These choice areas may include: our Atelier (the art center is full of engaging materials for spontaneous creativity), the building zone, dramatic play/ family room, the sensory table, etc. We often will go on “nature walks” with small groups. On certain days of the week we will also visit the school gym, the theater, or the music or science rooms during this time.

Outside Recess: 10:45-11:45 a.m.

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We try to go out every day, even if it’s cold and blustery, but if it is pouring rain we have gym time instead.

Lunch: 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

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We come together and get ready for lunch at approximately 11:45 a.m. Teachers and children sit together, practice manners and share in conversations. The children bring their lunches from home.

Free Flow & Closing Circle: 12:15-1:00 p.m.

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After lunch we have a short free-flow time in the classroom or out on our courtyard. We then come together for our Closing Circle, during which the children may lay down and get cozy while we read aloud and reflect on our day. 

After-School Care: 1:00-4:30 p.m.

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Children who enroll in our Aftercare program may stay from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. 

There will be a rest/nap time, during which teachers play soothing music while children lay on their mats, typically with a special soft toy or blanket from home. The youngest children will nap at this time. Following quiet time, children play, work in small groups, bake, act, create, or visit the gym or playground.

Note: Toileting and diapering will take place as need be, as well as during transitions time through out the day.

Documentation

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Teachers record and photograph the children’s experiences each day. They compile their observations in a learning portfolio that parents see during parent-teacher conferences and take home at the end of the year. In the admissions process, sample copies of our documentation are available for parents to see during campus tours.

Community School offers After-School Care for Early Childhood Program students each school day, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be a rest/nap time, during which teachers play soothing music while children lay on their mats, typically with a special soft toy or blanket from home. The youngest children will nap at this time. Following quiet time, children play, work in small groups, bake, act, create, or visit the gym or playground. The aftercare program is separate from the morning program and families can sign up on a first-come basis each trimester.  Millicent Kozak is the Aftercare Coordinator and should be contacted with any questions about our program.