12 - 30 months, 1:4 ratio
A priority on building close bonds
Teachers in our one year old room use their knowledge of early childhood development to provide an environment that caters to the specific needs of young toddlers. Our teachers work hard to stock the classroom with toys and materials that are age appropriate and safe for those who are exploring the world with all of their senses, yet inspire inquiry and investigation, challenge motor skills, and facilitate social interactions amongst peers and teachers. With this age group, teachers make it a priority to form close personal bonds with each child. This is an integral part of the one year old program, as it allows teachers to have an intimate knowledge of each child’s development so that they may create meaningful learning experiences for all developmental levels.
2 - 3.5 years, 1:6 ratio
Increasing independence
Our two year old classroom is full of discovery and activity! At the age of two, children are beginning to become independent, self-initiating learners who are developing their own personal methods of inquiry. Teachers in our two year old room strive to scaffold the children’s learning by providing opportunities for increased independence yet maintaining the strong emotional connections that are still an integral part of learning at this age. One of the main focuses in this classroom is the development of self-help skills. Cultivating these abilities allows the children to feel competent and therefore confident; as their cognitive development blossoms, so too does their ability to self-sustainably explore their environment.
3 - 4.5 years, 1:9 ratio
Inspiring long term interests and projects
Our preschool room is an environment rich with materials carefully chosen to reflect the interests of the children and inspire longer-term explorative projects. Science experiments are used to provide children with opportunities to methodically investigate the natural world and varied art materials such as clay, wire and collage supplies give our three year olds avenues with which to express what they feel and learn. Teachers in our three year old room observe the children on a daily basis in order to derive themes
4 - 5.5 years, 1:10 ratio
Preparing for K-12
Our Pre-K room is always full of energy and creativity! The children in this classroom embark on great learning journeys as they delve deeper into subjects and themes derived from their play. Similarly to the Preschool room, teachers in the Pre-K room observe the children closely and engage them in dialogues about their play in order to discover what it is that’s at the heart of their learning. Each morning, a brief meeting is held during which teachers and children talk about the day and week’s activities, discuss a topic relevant to the children’s interests for further investigation in small groups, choose classroom helper jobs and prepare for extended periods of play. Using their observations, teachers offer varied opportunities for children to hone the literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and social skills necessary for success in school.
