“We must teach our children to dream with their eyes open. ”
Our Youngest Learners
THE CHILD
Children must be 2 1/2 by the start of the program. This is the perfect opportunity for young learners to experience a gentle separation. The parent and child are supported every step of the way as the child develops the independence to explore the world around them.
With 12 children, a head teacher, an assistant teacher and a co-op parent, children are encouraged to explore with many artistic and building materials, engage in sensory experiences, and practice problem solving, all in an age-appropriate setting.
THE PARENT
Parents have the unique opportunity to take home the joys of shared experiences from the classroom on their co-op days where they get to be an active member in the classroom. This helps to develop continuity between home and school as parents can watch their children interacting with their peers, exploring their environment, and meeting new intellectual challenges as they practice age-appropriate independence.
Separation and independence are central to the entire 2.5’s year of learning and growth. The first month of school, our primary focus is to support the child and the parent in the process of separation. A parent stays for the child’s first day of school to allow the child to explore while knowing they can return to the safety of the parent. This also allows the parent to have a window into the child’s day at school. After the first day, the teacher and parent will discuss how they feel the separation process should continue. With the understanding that separation is a personal and individualized process, we consider together - should the parent stay another day, leave after meeting or just give hugs and kisses and go? It is important that the parent feels confident in the process so that the child can as well.
Beginning the second month, a parent helps in the classroom approximately once a month on an equally distributed rotating basis. In the classroom, the parent works unobtrusively as an extra pair of hands facilitating the work of the children, and is not responsible for curriculum, planning or teaching.
Building close relationships with families is a core value of our school community. An ongoing dialogue allows parents and teachers to share information about the child in the home and school environments. This may range from a change in behavior, to an important family event, to a small, but special accomplishment.
Additionally, each family holds a job that helps to run our school. Our families participate in the operation of the Co-op in whatever ways they are able. Scheduling, purchasing snacks, writing publicity, and helping with school maintenance are a few of the jobs for parents. The community also comes together to plan and organize fundraising events that are sponsored by the school to raise money for educational supplies and for improvements to the building.
THE TEACHER
Our fully accredited head teachers stimulate learning by inspiring a child's spontaneous curiosity. We strongly value relationships and connection in our classroom communities. Our teachers create a nurturing and warm environment where children feel safe and comfortable to explore and grow. Through the relationships they build and their knowledge of child development, our classroom teachers ensure that every child is deeply known, seen, and cared for. Our teachers are readily available to the entire family, offering support and information through informal telephone contact, email, home visits, conferences and written evaluations.
OUTSIDE PLAY
Outside play is an important part of our curriculum. We are located in St. George’s Church in Maplewood. We take advantage of all seasons to play in our beautiful playground and the area surrounding the building. Dressed appropriately, we play outside every day, in rain, snow and sun. The children use the outdoor equipment, go on nature walks, and build with outdoor blocks.
“It is so important to give our children the opportunity to explore the world around them.”