Partial Day Programs

These programs are created to give children a positive preschool experience in a play-based environment where they are cherished, cared for, and guided by a highly qualified, professional staff for part of the day (3.5 hours).

2 Year Old Program

Often the entry point into early childhood education, our class of 2-year olds is one especially designed to help children make a smooth transition to a new place where trust and confidence are built as the first layers of a positive learning experience. Rich in playful exploration, our children are cared for by qualified teachers who will guard and guide them towards gently building a healthy sense of self as learners and group members. This room has a maximum enrollment of 16, with a mixture of partial day and full day attendees. Partial day children may attend from 8:45a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Children can be enrolled 2 or more days/week. Children must be 2 on or before September 1st to be eligible. Potty training is not a requirement.

3 and 4 Year Old Mixed-Age Program

Our research-based curriculum is play based and organized around the children’s interests, focusing on project work as it emerges from the children’s play, questions, and exploration. Teachers act as facilitators and guides as the children look for answers to their own questions, research, problem-solving, and build understanding together out in the wider world. The multi-age setting provides an opportunity for older children to develop leadership skills and refine their thinking as they interact with their younger classmates. The younger children have the opportunity to be in a setting where a wider range of abilities is modeled thus encouraging them to “stretch” their abilities. Every learner will have the opportunities to build on prior skill and experiences as they gain confidence, new ideas and insights. Efforts are made to keep an age balance whenever possible. This class has a maximum enrollment of 20 children and is taught by three teachers. Children must be 3 on or before September 1st. This program runs from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes a light breakfast (milk, grain, fruit) and hot lunch. Children can be enrolled 3 or more days a week.

All programs at Community contain these noteworthy elements:

• Exceptional, credentialed teachers and support staff
• Implementation of a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Individual screenings, assessments and portfolios; regularly scheduled parent/teacher conferences
• Resource referral by our regularly visiting social work consultant, as needed
• Dedicated time with our art and music teachers who come into the classrooms weekly
• Use of an outdoor play space and our indoor gym
• Healthy snacks and meals in accordance with national nutritional guidelines