The Rookies
Age range: Younger Infants.  The ratio in this room is 1 staff member for every 3 infants, with a maximum of 14 infants.  Most children remain in this room until they begin crawling well.  This room, as well as all of the classrooms, uses the primary caregiver system for caring for the children.  Each caregiver is responsible for most of the care for the three infants in her primary group.  Although the caregivers will work as a team in the room, this system allows the infants to have the security of one person for most of their care.  This room is set up so that there is plenty of space for floor play as well as routine care.  Caregivers are encouraged to spend time on the floor when they are not involved in other daily routines such as feeding, rocking, or changing the babies. We also encourage eye contact and conversation with the infants during all daily routines. The classroom also includes a covered porch area that opens onto a playground designed for our youngest age groups.

The Tumblers
Age range: Older Infants.  The ratio continues to be 1:3, with a maximum of 14 infants.  While in this group the infants learn to pull up, scoot, and walk on their own.  Children generally remain in this classroom until they are walking well. This room is also set up with open spaces as well as soft climbing equipment so that the infants can explore in a safe environment. The children have the opportunity to begin learning skills such as feeding themselves, drinking from a sippy cup, and recognizing themselves in a variety of mirrors.  Teachers continue to use the primary caregiver system as mentioned in the Rookies section.

The Runners
Age range: Younger Toddlers. The little ones will now be known as toddlers in this classroom.  The ratio in this classroom is 1:4, with a maximum of 18 toddlers.  This room also has open spaces for safe exploration, and it incorporates center activities into the daily routine.  Through the use of planned activities and lots of choices, the toddlers continue to develop many self-help skills. There is always a variety of materials available for the children to create and experiment with as they learn about their world.  Teachers introduce basic sign language to help the children communicate their needs.  Teachers continue to use the primary caregiver system as mentioned above.

The Top Dogs
Age range: Older Toddlers/Younger Two Year Olds.  The ratio in this classroom is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 children.  Just as their classroom name implies, these toddlers are all about themselves! This classroom is full of activities that encourage each toddler to experience his/her own vivaciousness.  As with all of the classes, the teachers plan activities so that the children are challenged as they move from one developmental stage to the next.  This is the first room where the children will begin enjoying family style service during all meals and snacks. Family style service means that a caregiver sits with her small group of toddlers at the table as the food arrives in small serving bowls.  Children will be assisted in learning to serve themselves as well as clear their plates when finished.  This is just one of the many self-help skills that will be learned while in the Top Dogs classroom.  Some children will even begin to potty train before transitioning into the next class.  

The Champs
Age range: Older Two Year Olds. The ratio for this classroom is 1:7, with a maximum of 20 children.  The Champs classroom is always buzzing with many activity choices for the children. Problem solving and conflict resolution are at the forefront, as we learn to have a peaceful community within the room. Teachers continue to focus on self-help skills with all of the children.   There are ample materials available for each child to manipulate and create his/her own masterpieces.  Potty training is also focused on more strongly as children prepare to move into the three year old class. 

The Heroes
Age range: Younger Three Year Olds.  The ratio in this class is 1:10, with a maximum of 20 in the class. This classroom continues to encourage problem solving, conflict resolution, self-help, and creative expression that the groups before initiated.  Other activities that are a part of the children's daily routine are learning their ABC's, colors, shapes, and days of the week.  Teachers in this group strongly encourage independence among the children as they prepare for Pre-K.

Age Range: Older Three Year Olds.  The ratio for this class is 1:10, with a maximum of 20 students.  This classroom serves as a transition between our regular preschool classes and our lottery-funded Pre-K classes, as children in this group will soon be turning four.  Teachers in this classroom help each child work on skills that will help them be productive learners in Pre-K.  Communication is of utmost importance as children learn how to express their own needs and become more self-sufficient.  A large variety of materials are accessible at all times so that all children have the opportunity to create in an area of their choice.

 
All Stars & Super Stars
Age Range: Four Year Olds.  The ratio for these programs is 1:10, with a maximum of 20 per group.  Our final age groups will be our Lottery-Funded Pre-K classes. The teachers in these classrooms continue to support the passion for learning that we will hold as imperative in all of our preschool environments. The classes will follow the guidelines set forth by the Bright from the Start Department of Early Care and Learning.  Since this program will run from 8:00am - 2:30pm, an after-school program is offered to coincide with our regular hours. During the summer months or on school holidays when Pre-K is not in session, we offer Champ Camp for children who are in Pre-K through 1st grade. 

Fine Arts Program
In addition to the wonderful curriculum the children experience daily, we also have Ms. Pam Blanchard, a local children's recording artist, visit our center once a week.  She performs music and movement in order to expose the children to fine arts in a fun way.  During the summer months we also incorporate visits from other artists. You will also notice upon entering the building and walking down the main hallway, that we display artwork from some of the great artists as well as your children's creations.