Escuelita
*Escuelita introduces young children (2-4 years old) to science, the arts, music, and Spanish in a relaxed, family school environment.
*A very low student teacher ratio and parent volunteers in classroom help to nurture children's social and emotional development.
*Spanish is taught through stories, songs and accessible topical presentations.
Escuelita is a garden school with indoor and outdoor play spaces available to the children all day. The children tend the garden as part of their nutrition and science programs and for fun!
*Reggio Emilia techniques are used to encourage learning through play. Topics are taught through hands on projects which change as part of global themes. For example: harvest, light and holiday celebrations across cultures; community helpers (firemen, doctors, police).
*Music and yoga are taught by expert guest teachers who visit the school, allowing you to drive to fewer out of nursery school enrichment classes and allowing your child to experience these courses in a familiar environment.
*Nutrition is introduced with healthy snacks and a nutritious lunch program. Family style lunches are served every day. Parents and grandparents are welcome to attend anytime, especially on Fridays.
*Fantastic Fridays present subject themes and bring in guest teachers, parents welcome to come teach a subject they are passionate about!
*Student portfolios created by teachers to document individual development and celebrate children's work.
*Teachers have continuing teacher education meetings weekly.
Sample Day (schedule varies somewhat from day to day)
7-9am Optional Extended and/or Daycare hours. Before school children may eat bag breakfasts together, have free play, and help teachers do "before school" chores.
9am Curriculum begins
9-9:15 Greetings and free play
9:15-9:30 Circle time divided into age appropriate groups
9:30-10:00 Music or yoga with expert instructors, or extended circle activities (stories, drama, songs)
10:00-10:15 Snack, served family style with the children assisting in set up and clean up. Children learn to recycle and compost.
10:15-11:00 Project stations by themes and free play, learning through play. Arts, pre-writing activities, science, manipulatives, and outdoor play options.
11:00-11:45 Project stations and free play, learning through play. Groups of children occasionally taken to the park for PE. Active play in music room on rainy days.
11:45 Closing circle, Spanish story time.
12noon Curriculum ends, Extended & Daycare program begins
12:15 Extended care and Daycare children eat lunch together family style. Children assist in set up and clean up to learn responsibility, recycling and composting.
12:45-1:30 Free play, projects available
1:30-3:30 Nap time (optional--parents' choice)
3:30 Snack
3:45-5:30 Stories, free play, smaller group activities with daycare teacher.
5:30 Closing circle
5:45 Final pick up time
6pm School closes
Parent Involvement
Parents regularly volunteer in the classroom during program hours.
Parents are strongly encouraged to share their knowledge and areas of expertise with the children. Some past examples of parent presentations include a marine biologist who brought in a whale bone, a doctor who did a series of presentations on the heart and body, and a police officer who gave a presentation about safety.
