The Just for Me program is for children age 2 ½ (Age 2 on
or before March 1st) to attend class independently one day a week. For a child
who meets the 2 ½ year age requirement and is able to manage personal bathroom
needs, the program may be paired with the Parent and Me class on Monday or
Saturday to provide a 2-day a week program (one day with a parent and one day on
their own).
The program is designed to support an early learner through the use of
predictable routines, age appropriate materials, and exceptional adult-child
ratios. The class has 2 teachers plus one parent helper every day for a maximum
of 10 students (better than 1:4 adult/child ratio). We feel this is critical to
help meet the needs of all children and provide individualized attention. Staff
will strongly focus on the social-emotional growth of children in this first
school experience.
Parents are invited to help their child make a smooth start
to each day. They may guide their child through steps to hang their belongings,
wash hands, and select learning materials. Many parents establish a routine to
help make the transition smooth and predictable for their child (for example,
choose and read a story together or participate in an art project before
parting).
All classroom cabinets, tables, and seating are child sized and labeled/designed
to encourage independence. The teachers plan an interactive curriculum and
prepare the classroom to support natural curiosity, exploration and
investigation. In this environment, children are able to freely move about and
self-select materials that capture their interest. For instance, art activities
are open-ended and process based in which children explore a variety of
materials such as paint, brushes, glue, and playdough. They will create their
own artistic expression rather than replicating a teacher model. The teachers
facilitate interactions among peers and meet each child’s needs with regard to
their individual learning stage.
The classroom is organized to incorporate all developmental domains of learning.
Fine motor, language development, cognition (pre-reading and pre-math),
self-help and social-emotional skills are practiced in each area of the room.
Children may choose from some of the following play-based learning centers:
Sensory Table (including playdough, water, sand, etc), Block area, Dramatic
Play, Literacy Corner, Science Table, Manipulative/Puzzle Area, and a
Process-based Art Center.
At the end of the free-exploration time, children work together to clean-up and
replace materials in their assigned places. The parent helper provides a
nutritious snack for all students on a rotating basis. A brief circle time is
part of the daily routine (building in length as the group becomes familiar with
the routine and materials). This is a time for the group to enjoy songs, finger
plays, flannel board stories, instruments and books. The teachers introduce this
structured time and guide the students to have success and participate at their
own comfort and developmental level. Gross motor/outdoor play is also an
essential element in the Just for Me curriculum and is provided daily as whether
permits.
If you are interested
in attending our Parent and Me program, would like to visit a class, or would
like additional information, please feel free to contact the
school
and we will be happy to
speak with you.
![[Product Image]](images/justforme.jpg)
