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Children arrive for their preschool day anytime between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Parents walk their children into the classroom and help them transition into the school day. During this time, greetings are exchanged, belongings are put away, parents sign-in their children, hands are washed and breakfast is offered.
Once these morning routines are completed, children choose from a variety of engaging learning centers designed by the teachers to promote learning in social skills, literacy, mathematics and science. These play-based centers include a dramatic play corner, block corner, library corner, sand or water play table, art center, table toys and a discovery science center.
After this morning free play period, the teachers bring the group together for circle time. Circle time is a whole group opportunity for sharing, learning and talking together.
Following circle time, the children will join their teachers for small group activities, continued exploration in centers or perhaps participating in the Discovery, Woodworking, Cooking, Library or Music Studio. These Studios engage small groups of children in hands-on learning experiences related to the classroom units of study.
Weather permitting, outdoor play is scheduled daily. The children go to the playground where they can run, jump, climb, shout and engage in pretend play! Lunch is served at noon.
While the children take turns washing their hands, the day's lunch helpers assist with lunch preparation by setting the table and the teacher (s) leads another brief circle time activity.
Mealtimes are seen as an opportunity for learning and conversation. Children practice serving themselves, passing food to their friends, and trying new foods. Lunchtime enhances positive feelings not only for nutritious food, but also for each other.
Following lunch, the children brush their teeth and prepare for rest time.
The late afternoon period begins with a snack at 3:00 PM followed by another outdoor playtime. The children must select from a variety of activity choices and, after clean-up, are ready for dismissal and pick-up by their families by 5:30 PM.
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