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Curriculum:
First Steps is a child-centered center. This means that in each classroom the children are offered a variety of activities and the teacher guides the child through the activity. The child learns he has choices within certain limitations.
Our caring place is an exciting learning environment, which encourages a child's natural curiosity and helps make the transition from infancy through childhood a happy time.
The activities chosen are designed to help develop the social, emotional, creative and academic skills of the child. Each of these areas is equally important in developing a well-rounded socially adjusted child. Activities that provide for progress in each of these developmental areas are the most important aspects of our learning program.
Parental input is always helpful and appreciated.
Some specific goals for your child's age group are described in the programs below.
Our Programs:
Infant I: Ages 6 weeks to approximately 12 months
Infant II: Ages 11-12 months to 2 years
Toddlers & Twos: Ages 20 months or so to 2.9 / 3 years
Pre-School: Ages 2.9 - 4 years
Pre-K: Ages 4 -5 years
Kindergarten
Ratio: 2:7
Ages: 6 weeks to approximately 12 months
With the health of your child and the cleanliness of his environment a priority, we see that your child receives individual care and attention according to his needs. The infants are all on their own established schedule. Infants sleep as often as they like, feeding is on demand and they are changed as needed. Cuddles, lullabies, picture books and gentle praises are plentiful in this room.
Ratio: 2:9
Ages: 11-12 months to 2 years
Infants are ready to move into this room when they are crawling or toddling around. The children at this age are curious about their surroundings and we provide a pleasant atmosphere for them. Music, nursery rhymes, songs, sensory tables, dancing, reading, finger play are just some of the activities taking place.
Ratio: 2:9, 3:12
Ages: 20 months or so to 2.9/3 years
It doesn't take much to motivate a toddler, but we do try to structure their activities somewhat. The children at this age are active and curious about everything in their surroundings. We try to fill their moments with childhood wonders while helping them develop a strong sense of self. Songs, storybooks, puzzles, expressive artwork, finger plays, nursery rhymes, dress-up, stroller rides and fun in the sandbox are all part of their day.
At about 24-27 months, children begin to focus on potty training. We work with the parents to help the child with their potty training goals. No child will be pressured into potty training. Children will become potty trained at their own pace. Children will transition out of the toddler/two room when they are developmentally ready; being potty trained is not a criterion for moving on to Pre-School I.
Ratio: 2:19
Ages: 2.9 - 4 years
Full day or morning programs (8:30-12:30) Monday-Friday, 5, 3, and 2 day programs available.
At First Steps, we feel a child's fullest development at any age is the best preparation for the next. With the teacher's encouragement, nurturing and understanding, a child will develop a sense of well-being and confidence.
We have specific goals and a curriculum rich with experiences that provide a springboard for learning such as dramatic play, science, counting and beginning math, reciting the alphabet and beginning letter recognition, language skills, motor skills, manners and social skills are among the many achievements of our pre-schoolers.
Ratio: 2:20
Ages: 4 - 5 years
Full day or morning programs (8:30-12:30) Monday-Friday, 5, 3, and 2 day programs available.
First Steps Pre-K teachers communicate to the children that all their ideas are important. This makes them feel that the curriculum belongs to them. When children are allowed to plan the curriculum with teachers, everyone is liberated and energized. The result is a richness that does not exist if the teachers plan alone. The children are more engaged in learning because they're exploring their own questions that are based on their interests. The more the children are vested into an idea, the more they participate and add to it. The teachers make sure to implement developmentally appropriate practices and follow the guidelines for an appropriate curriculum. The teachers are the organizers who set the stage, time the acts and keep the basic drama together. On those days when all the parts come together, the result is truly magic.
Before the Basics (1987) Turn the Press
Ratio: 1:15
Full day program 9:00-3:00. Extended care is available.
There will be a maximum of 15 children in the Kindergarten program to one teacher. This ratio will enable the teacher to give individualized instruction, and provide an optimal learning environment. This will be through a multi-sensory approach. A whole language method of instruction will be implemented thus fostering expressive and receptive language. Motor development will be enhanced through music, art and physical language. Emergent curriculum will be theme based uniting every part of science, social studies, literacy and language art, and hands-on mathematics, providing a gold mine of learning adventures and much more.
Provide an atmosphere where respect, trust and love is evident.
Focus on the strengths of the child.