Class Info

2/3's Class      3/4's Class        4/5's Class

GENERAL INFORMATION

Age by Aug 31	Class Meets	Min Ratio	'08-'09 Monthly Tuition*
2	Mon & Wed 9:15 - 11:15	1 adult for every 2 children	$63
3	Tues, Thurs & Fri 9:15 - 11:15	1 adult for every 3 children	$83
4	Tues, Wed & Thurs noon - 2:30	1 adult for every 5 children	$103

*tuition rates will vary annually

Curriculum and activities are planned according to the age and abilities of the class. Each class develops their own personality and interest. Our teachers may introduce different activities or limit choices to work best with the personality, interest, and ability of the class. Parents also bring a wide variety of skills to the classroom, used to enrich the curriculum.

The basic layout of the classroom is consistent for all three classes:

A loft area offers an imaginative play center with a rotating theme, allowing children to act out different roles in a variety of everyday experiences while building community awareness. A house, grocery store, doctor’s office, fire station, post office, and more encourage kids to become part of their community and engage in application of the social skills they are learning. Turn taking, negotiation, compromise, and expression of ideas are regularly practiced in this area.

Small motor skills can be practiced at the playdough table, puzzles and games area, manipulative table, and through a variety of art activities. The writing desk also encourages kids to try a variety of desk utensils: pencils, scissors, and tape.

The block area includes several different sets of blocks for creative building. Miniature toy cars, plastic animals, a dollhouse, and train tracks are available for a wide variety of imaginative play.

Group activity takes place during teacher led circle times and includes books, songs, puppets, dancing, and felt board stories. Transitions are often accompanied by familiar music or through the use of a chime.

Our location at the Alderwood Early Childhood Center allows us a wonderful variety of recess options. During this large motor skill time we have access to multiple outside areas including a playground, large field, sand box, bike and riding toys area, and grassy hill area. All outside areas are fully fenced. Inside we have a large gym with appropriate play equipment, a classroom with slides and mats, and an indoor bike gym (helmets are provided).

2/3’s CLASS

The 2/3-year olds class meets Monday and Wednesday from 9:15 – 11:15 am. Snack is provided by a different parent each day and is rotated throughout the month. Each parent works one day per week. A buddy parent is chosen who works on the opposite day as a go-to person for your child.

Teacher Patti provides a gentle pace where 2/3 year olds can gain confidence while learning. Routine is important at this age. The child’s job is to play, and they learn an amazing amount while doing so. Morning circle is a consistent routine and all activities are presented before the child “makes a plan” for the day. No field trips are held, however Patti organizes several on campus events including a pumpkin finding day. Teacher invited guests may also visit the class to share music, stories, and more.

3/4’s CLASS

The 3/4-year old class meets Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:15 – 11:15 am. Each parent works one day per week. Snack is provided by a different parent each day and is rotated throughout the month.

Teacher Penny supplies an atmosphere where 3/4 year olds can enjoy developing new friendships while learning how to share and respect one another. Birthdays and holidays are celebrated as special times for all. Field trips are taken approximately once a month to destinations of learning; restaurant tours, plays and museums are just a few. Penny also hosts multiple carnival and theme days throughout the year, during regular class time.

4/5’s CLASS

The 4/5 year olds class meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon-2:30. Each parent works one day per week. The children, and the parents who work that day, bring lunch from home. Teacher Penny offers several activities each week coordinating to the Letter of the Week. Letter recognition, letter sound, and use of that letter at the beginning of a word are incorporated into choice time and small group time throughout the week. Small groups meet as a parent led activity assigned by Teacher Penny. Creating stories, simple projects involving the letter of the week, and counting activities are often incorporated.

There is an opening-sharing circle in which each child has the opportunity to present a sharing item to the class on their parent’s workday. While most of class time is still devoted to child-directed play, there is greater emphasis on sitting quietly in circle times, waiting turns, and listening respectfully to teachers, parents, and peers. Stories, singing, and dancing are included in the closing circle time.