The Preschool program at The Children's Cottage is designed to develop and strengthen the social, emotional, physical and academic abilities of each student. It is a whole language, theme-based program centered around hands-on activities and focused on discovery learning.

The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each child and enhance learning in all areas.

School Philosophy:

As a nation our most important resource is children.  Through the wonder of a happy, supportive childhood a child can gather the tools he or she will need to function as a productive adult in our society.  In many situations the job of providing this environment is taken on by the parents.  But an increasingly large number of children are turning to teachers and administrators to fill these roles.  Children require the opportunity to grow at their own pace, therefore, a curriculum should remain flexible as well as provide basic knowledge on which they will be able to build learning skills for a lifetime.  As a licensed school we are responsible for launching students' academic and social careers.  Through our hands-on curriculum, social experiences, field trips, intergenerational activities, and physical environment we are prepared to meet the needs of our students and give them the tools to become successful students as well as valuable resources to our society.

Staff:

The qualified, caring, and enthusiastic staff consists of certified teachers with Bachelor of Science degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Ed., as well as aids currently enrolled in college education courses.  The staff is also certified in First Aid and CPR.

Naptime Procedures:

The children are expected to sleep or rest quietly on mats between 1:00 and 3:00PM.

After a reasonable amount of time non-sleepers and early risers will be able to work independently on fine motor activities until naptime is over.  Only security items and small blankets are welcomed.  No sleeping bags or comforters.  These are sent home at the end of the week to be laundered.

Circle Time:

A daily event introducing or enriching the weekly theme and letter through teacher-lead discussions, songs, books, fingerplays and/or games.  Popular children's literature is used to enhance comprehension of the concept, encourage the love of reading and inspire the imagination.

Math Readiness:

• Shapes
• Counting
• Sorting
• Number recognition
• Number values
• Beginning adding & subtracting
• Reading Readiness/Language Arts
• Letter recognition
• Phonics
• Whole language
• Vocabulary
• Rhyming words
• Writing

Science:

• Animal behavior/habits
• Insects/spiders
• Weather
• Seasons
• Dinosaurs
• Experiments
• Health issues
• Respect for nature/environment

Social and Emotional Skills:

• Sharing
• Respect
• Self-esteem
• Manners
• Hygiene
• Multicultural
• Intergenerational activities
• Family tradition

Music:

• Rhythym
• Instrument sounds
• Singing
• Patterns
• Fingerplays
• Action songs

Literature:

• Book appreciation
• Story comprehension
• Character recognition

Field Trips:

We believe that childen learn their best through experiencing their world.  Therefore, field trips, special events, and special visitors are part of our program.

Fine Motor Skills:

• Cutting
• Gluing
• Printing
• Lacing
• Sensory exploration

Gross Motor/Physical Fitness

• Games
• Teamwork
• Exercise
  (Running, throwing, jumping, etc.)
• Dancing

Prerequisite Skills

• Toileting skills
• Independent eating
• Recognition of name in print
• Self dressing
• Color recognition (8 basic)
• General knowledge of months and seasons of the year
• Knowledge of days of the week
• Counting to 10
• Articulation of first and last name
• Basic use of scissors (Upon request)

Computer Education

Computers are used throughout the day to enhance the curriculum.  Children will be introduced
to basic skills and how to use the computer independently.

Graduation:

At the conclusion of your child's year in pre-kindergarten, children and parents are invited to join us in a formal graduation ceremony.  Cap, gown, diploma and a graduation party are part of the celebration.

Pricing  (effective 7-1-2008)

Full time:

• Plan 60 - $17.00/2 activity fees
  Up to 60 hours per week
• Plan 45 - $150.00/2 activity fees
  Up to 45 hours per week

Part Time

• Plan 35 - $140.00/2 activity fees
  Up to 35 hours per week
• Plan 23 - $95.00/1 activity fee
  Up to 23 hours per week

Hourly - $5.00

• Up to 10 hours per week

Monthly payment expected at the beginning of each month per event activity fee
Availability limited

Includes:

• P.M. snacks
• Juice at snack and lunch
• Intergenerational activities

Ratio 1:10

Activity Fee due Oct. and Jan.
(Rates subject to change every May)