Programs

Blueberry Class

Ages: 18 months – 3 years

Days: Mondays and Fridays

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Teacher to Student Ratio: 2:10

The Blueberry Program is designed to offer support to parents and caretakers, and social experiences for their young children. Parents and children connect, play, and sing together in our warm group setting with the guidance of the director and two Haytown teachers. Each session includes a parenting topic for discussion, time to share parenting challenges and successes, and an opportunity to ask questions.

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The Blueberry’s daily routine:

  • Welcome and open play with select classroom materials
  • Director and parents move to the seating area while children work with Haytown teachers. A parenting topic is introduced for adult discussion
    • Separation is gentle and guided by the child. There is a flow between the children’s and caretaker area
    • If a child needs their parent/caretaker’s support, then they may move to the couch area to be with their adult. Alternatively, parents/caretakers may spend extra time in the play space if their child needs them
  • Snack is served and facilitated by the teachers
  • Circle Time: songs, stories, musical instruments, and dance
  • Outdoor playground/indoor gymnasium play
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Raspberry Class

Age: Two and a half

Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Optional Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Teacher to Student Ratio: 3:14

The Raspberries is a gentle introduction to school, in a cozy, dedicated space with loving teachers.  Circle time, songs, storytelling, art, snack, and outdoor playground/indoor gymnasium play are all part of a Raspberry’s day.

 

The Raspberry class a drop-off program available to families when their child turns 2.5. Enrollment occurs on a rolling basis, so when a child turns 2.5, they may join the Raspberries. Families may opt for a one, two, or three-day program.

Raspberry class activities include:

  • Circle Time: songs, story, puppetry
  • Centers: pretend and dramatic play, building, science, manipulatives
  • Nutritious snack
  • 1:1 work with teachers
  • Activities that foster fine and gross motor skill development
  • Art and creative expression
  • Outdoor playground/indoor gymnasium time

Blackberry Class

Age: Three years old by October 1st   

3 day program: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

4 day program: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays

5 day program: Monday-Friday

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Optional Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Extended Day: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Teacher to Student Ratio: 2:16

The Blackberry curriculum revolves around units of study inspired by the world around our children.  Age appropriate academics are introduced through hands-on learning experiences. Our Blackberry program focuses on socialization and learning self-help skills like putting on winter gear, serving snack, and cleanup.  Our students are comfortable in a routine that is balanced between free play and teacher-led instruction in the classroom and on the playground.

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A Blackberry’s day includes:

  • Morning Meeting: welcome, songs, calendar review
  • Centers: pretend, dramatic play, building, manipulatives, reading corner
  • Music & movement
  • Nutritious snack
  • Letter and number study, early literacy, mathematics and STEM
  • 1:1 and small group work
  • Art and creative expression
  • Outdoor playground/indoor gymnasium time
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Strawberry Class

Age: Four years old by October 1st

4 day program:  Monday-Thursday

5 day program: Monday-Friday

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Extended Days: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Teacher to Student Ratio: 2:17

 

The educational philosophy of kindergarten has changed; expectations are higher and academic learning is serious. In our Strawberry class, we focus on the skills necessary for students to be successful in kindergarten and prepare them for the next step.

Independence-building routines are in place and clear communication with teachers and peers is encouraged. Practicing these skills in a safe environment readies our students for a larger, more challenging kindergarten classroom.

 

In the Strawberry classroom, students learn:

  • Reading readiness
  • STEM and experimentation
  • Handwriting: proper grip and letter formation
  • Small and large motor skills & play
  • Mathematics
  • Art, music, rhythm
  • Sign Language and Spanish vocabulary
  • Community service and leadership skills

Extended Days

Ages: Blackberry and Strawberry students

Days/Time: Offered Monday-Friday 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Teacher to Student Ratio: 3:15

“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children the more intense will be their motivations and richer their experiences.” – Loris Malaguzzi

 

Our Extended Day program is intended to reinforce and enhance classroom learnings, help families who require child-care, fulfill children who are ready for more school, and acclimate our Strawberries for a Kindergarten schedule. Classes are offered daily, and teachers introduce a unit of study that aligns with a larger theme.

 

Mondays: Martial Arts Mondays with Sensei Sarimiento

 

Tuesdays: Mother Nature Tuesdays

 

Wednesdays: Sports Starts with Coach Dan

 

Thursdays: Science Technology Engineering Math

The Rise and Shine Gang 

Families in the Raspberry, Blackberry and Strawberry classes may opt for an 8:00am drop off.  Children will participate in fun learning activities with two teachers before joining their classroom friends who arrive at 9:00am.  8:00am drop off is available Monday-Friday.  Children may be enrolled monthly or ‘as needed’ for families who might occasionally need an earlier arrival time.