Enrichment Programs
o Music program
Music is a major part of our everyday routine. From listening, dancing, playing instruments, and playing music throughout the day, the children are able to express themselves and develop everyday skills. We incorporate learning through song during our circle time. Some examples we use music for are learning letters, colors, shapes, etc.
o Science
Learning early on about science is very important in developing a child’s mind. By adding exciting lessons to the science class, the children not only have fun, but they learn quicker through a hands on method. With the use of safe experiments such as erupting volcanoes, chemical reactions, density experiments, and color projects, the children receive a better understanding about what they are learning. Each class implements a science program starting as early as our toddlers!
o STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Gaining early introduction to STEM subjects has never been as important as it is today.
We feel that it is important to surround the children with many different activities throughout their day in order to prepare them for lifelong success. STEM activities develop the creative problem solving abilities that allow children to excel as learners. Our Science activities help teach: Observation, Experimentation, Questioning, and Cause and Effect. Our Technology activities help teach: Logic and Reasoning, Problem Solving, and Innovation. Our Engineering activities help teach: Design, Logic, Problem Solving, Fine and Gross Motor Skills and Trial and Error. Our Math activities help teach: Counting and Cardinality Measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Sense.
o Reading Comprehension
Reading and listening is a very important skill to develop in the early years. By reading a story and asking simple questions we ensure that children are listening and understanding a story. Teachers follow the story with a project that relates back to the reading they just heard, further reinforcing the story.
In addition, throughout the month our directors spend additional time in each classroom. During that time they read different stories which go along with the weekly theme. In additional to reading stories, the directors play interactive games and sing songs to provide every child with the story time experience.
o Art Appreciation
Children should be exposed to all mediums of art. During this class they will use different mediums, i.e crayons, markers, pastels, water colors, clay and paint, to create their own masterpieces. The art teacher will show the children how to use the medium and they will create their own work of art. The children will also be exposed to art history by viewing paintings and the artist who created them.
o Yoga
Throughout the month we provide yoga classes to all ages. Our classes include warm up, cool, down, breathing and calming techniques, The teachers engage the children with dance and simple yoga poses that we coordinate with our weekly theme.
o Spanish & Sign Language
Once a month we provide a Spanish and sign language lesson to all classes which incorporate our weekly themes . We believe, learning a additional languages is a very important part of childhood development. It allows children to develop critical thinking skills, and enhanced concentration. Also, sign language helps speed up speech development and can help reduce frustration in young children.
o Cooking Class
Once a month, we have cooking classes in our centers. The cooking classes are incorporated to the weekly themes. For example, during the theme of Dr. Sues, the children made green eggs and ham. Cooking classes assist with social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.