Program
Our philosophy is that children learn through play – experimenting, exploring, and discovering the fun and excitement of learning new things. At Early Learners the concept of active learning is the centerpiece of everything we do. That’s why our programs for each age group are designed to promote their healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through play with other children and loving relationships with teachers and caregivers. Each child is treated as a special individual, and separate age-appropriate activities and experiences are provided for all children of varying age groups. We also recognize that children grow and develop at their own pace, so their biological age may not reflect their readiness to progress, so we take care to let them move into a more advanced group as they are ready.
We know that the first five years of life are the most active learning period of our lives, and for that reason we take each of our programs very seriously. Because we believe that children feel more secure with a regular daily schedule, there are schedules and lesson plans posted in each area. And the flow of each day is constant so that transitions are easy and so they can know what to expect at each time of the day. Each of our early learning programs operate from 9:00 AM to Noon and include family style lunch which we think is an important learning experience. However, all throughout the day we are creating learning experiences in each thing we do. And, of course, there is no need to worry about things like transportation or wrap-around care because we provide it.
We offer:
Our ‘MILESTONES’ program for our infants.
Our infant room provides a quiet yet stimulating environment. During these very important first few months of life, infants thrive when caregivers are responsive to their needs and appreciate them as unique individuals with their own personalities. By providing activities that help them stay on track for their age (yes, even infants can participate in simple activities) we can be sure they are meeting their developmental milestones. But most importantly, they know they are loved!
Our ‘PLAYSCHOOL’ program for toddlers and two year olds.
Our Playschool room is geared to children who are no longer challenged in the Milestones room and are ready for more exploration. They are becoming more active, both physically and cognitively so we provide an environment full of interesting materials, colorful surroundings, and activities that interest them yet are less structured than traditional preschool. During these months children are learning to play ‘with’ others rather than alongside them, are extending their ability to focus their attention for longer periods of time, and are especially developing self-help skills such as serving themselves at meals, putting on their own coats and hats, and using the bathroom independently. These creative, endearing independent children are a joyful bunch!
Our ‘PRESCHOOL’ program for three year olds.
Our goals with this group are to introduce them to a more structured environment while still encouraging them to flourish through play and more targeted activities. Their environment is set up like that of the Pre-Kindergarten room. In both rooms we use an interest center approach, as do most preschool settings today, and have our rooms set up as a series of centers filled with age-appropriate materials which invite children to play and learn simultaneously. We also have a structure of activities that includes music, small and larger group projects, reading, and lots of outdoor time. Of course we continue, as we do with each group to reinforce their basic learning about colors, numbers, vocabulary, social skills, and encouraging independent learning.
Our ‘PRE-KINDERGARTEN’ program.
Those children who will be heading to kindergarten in the next year need some special attention on the skills and behaviors they will need for this next chapter of their lives. In this room we concentrate on the learning activities that will prepare them to enter the world of grade school. We have a structure of activities that continues to include music, reading, science and math readiness, and physical development . We plan for learning activities which help them learn to improve their listening skills, handle their emotions in a positive way, to expand their vocabulary, and to follow directions easily while still giving them the opportunities for independent learning. But most of all, as is our goal in every room, we invite them to have fun learning. We are proud that over our 50 plus year history Kindergarten teachers have consistently complimented us because we send them new students who are very well prepared for ‘Big School.’
Our ‘SCHOOL KIDS’ program.
Our grade school children spend time with us before and after school, on non-school days, and in the summer. We provide breakfast and transportation to and from Irving and Table Mound schools and an opportunity to work on homework after school if they desire. During the summer and over school holidays our ‘big kids’ ( kindergarten through age 12 ) enjoy a program filled with lots of varied and interesting activities which include water play, picnicking, drama, sports, creative arts and music, and much more.
