7600 North Davie Road Extension • (954) 963-2600

Pre-Kindergarten

The Early Childhood Department

The Early Childhood Department consists of programs for children of 18 months, twos, threes, and Junior Kindergarten. The program offers children the opportunity to succeed in a nurturing, supportive environment. Our Early Childhood Department is in session for 213 days.

Upon entering a classroom, one immediately notices the rapport between teachers and students, the care and concern for each student, and the supportive atmosphere of fun and enjoyment as the children learn and play

together. The children display eagerness to learn and happiness in their achievements. They participate in all activities willingly, and are never pressured.

What School Offers the Young Child

School gives the young child the chance to spend time in a physical environment which is scaled to and planned for the child. The children can enjoy a wide variety of manipulatives, not only in the numerous toys that are offered, but also in music, books, and art. They can also play with a number of children their own ages and can increase awareness of the world that they are helped to understand.

A child learns a great deal about personal relations in their associations with other children. Through play, a child is encouraged to learn. The child's experience is broadened in school sharing experiences with many different children. In the relationship with the teacher (which may

be their first association with a significant adult other than parents), they broaden their world to include an adult who understands and accepts them with a friendship based on trust. A good school allows children to function where they are developmentally, and at the same time stimulate, but never force, them toward the next stage of growth. They are always encouraged in the development of basic values, a sense of curiosity, of resourcefulness, of achievement and responsibility at whatever level. Such growth takes place in an environment where a child has the help of teachers who are concerned about promoting growth in terms of their own personality.

Facilities and Materials

The Early Childhood Department is situated in an air-conditioned building with classrooms completely outfitted with child-sized furniture which reflects the orientation of the department. Each classroom has its own bathrooms. Learning and tasking materials include sorting, classifying and sequencing materials and writing, reading, and math tasking materials. The tasking materials progress from simple to complex and can be child or teacher directed. Children nap daily and

need a sheet or blanket that will be taken home on Fridays to be laundered. Children also should bring a change of clothes labeled with the child's name in case of accidents. Outdoor space includes a large, five-acre, fenced Physical Education field with ample space for gross motor activities, picnics, games, and large gatherings. The playgrounds contain developmentally appropriate and safe equipment. The site is enjoyed by the children.

Parent-School Connection

Communication with the children's families is of the utmost importance in the school. A weekly newsletter from the teacher informs the parents of news in the class, skills, units, and concepts to reinforce at home and upcoming events. Teachers are in constant touch with parents via conferences and phone calls. An Open House is planned for parents to visit the classroom, meet with the teachers, listen to the teacher's goals and objectives for the school year, explore learning materials their children use on a daily basis, and ask general questions. Parents are notified immediately of accidents.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the Early Childhood Department addresses the development of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills. Students begin to develop skills in language, reading, mathematics, writing, and phonics. They will also develop skills in science, social studies, music, art, social-emotional skills, and gross and fine motor skills. The Early Childhood program uses a thematic approach to programming which unifies students' learning. Among the themes are the self, seasons, family, the five senses, nutrition, animals, transportation, communication, community helpers, and all holidays.

Admissions Procedures

All students are accepted on a probationary basis. A copy of the child's birth certificate, health form, and proof of immunization, as well as registration fees, must accompany the registration application.