As children grow, teachers work with a variety of “hands-on” activities that reflect age appropriateness. Play is essential for social and cognitive growth in early childhood. The following are focal points for each stage:
INFANCY (MOBILE & NON MOBILE 6 WEEKS—17 MONTHS)
This stage is marked most radically with the infants’ need to develop as a unique individual with behavior and growth changes ever present. Each infant has different schedules which are reflective of their own personalities. It is the caregiver’s role to accept each infant as an individual and to provide a safe and stimulating environment from which to thrive and grow. Non-mobile infants absorb and organize a great deal of information about the world around them. Therefore, caregivers must sing and talk to them about things going on around them, and bring objects to them for exploration and manipulation, as well as moving the non mobile infant around in his/her surroundings for enhanced sensory stimulation. |
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Toddlers (Little Quackers) |
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The toddler stage can be seen as one of the most challenging times, as well as one of the most rewarding times! Children at this stage are very mobile and active using all five senses to discover the world. Teachers are challenged to provide a safe but stimulating environment in which the child can grow. The toddler responds well to a regular daily routine with clear and predictable rest times, play times and meal times. Toilet teaching is best accomplished by taking the child to the facilities at the same times each day.
Important independence skills are being acquired during these years, including personal care such as toilet training, feeding and dressing. Patience is essential as a toddler struggles to put on a sweater (developing independence at this stage occurs after much repetition and encouragement). Realistic toys will enable children to engage in increasingly complex types of play. |
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Busy Bees are learning to produce language rapidly. They need simple books, pictures, puzzles, music, along with space and time for active play which includes jumping, running and dancing. Busy Bees are acquiring social skills, but while in groups there should be several of the same toy. |
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Pre-School (Jungle Jammers) |
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Curriculum for three year olds emphasizes language, activity and movement, with a concentration on large muscle activity. Appropriate activities include dramatic play, climbing, puzzles, blocks, plenty of outside play and the opportunity to listen to simple stories and then discuss them.
The Older Child Program provides for the following goals:
The most important area in this age group if self esteem. As a caregiver/teacher, our most important role is to promote the positive self image of each child as an individual. Every area of the child’s development must be addressed including: physical, cognitive, and psycho social. The child at this stage of their development will look to the adult for support and acceptance of their attempts. Periodic adult re-enforcement in the form of one on one time, hugs, smiles, friendly touch (pat on back, high five, etc.) can help the child to feel confident in his/her progress. |
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Pre-Kindergarten (Wild Cats) |
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Four year olds enjoy a greater variety of experiences and more small motor activities such as art (using scissors now), manipulative activities, cooking, etc. They are more able to concentrate and remember as well as recognize objects by shape, color, or size. Four year olds are Four year olds enjoy a greater variety of experiences and more small motor activities such as art (using scissors now), manipulative activities, cooking, etc. They are more able to concentrate and remember as well as recognize objects by shape, color, or size. Four year olds are developing basic math concepts and problem solving skills as well. |
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Since five year olds are developing interest in community and the world outside of their own we have developed a program which emphasizes these facets. We take weekly trips to the Fanwood library, and invite interesting guests from the local community including policemen, firemen and health care professionals. |
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Classrooms 
