EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
“Children in play-based preschool programs showed stronger academic performance in all subject areas measured.” - Rebecca Marcon, PhD, Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of North Florida
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Play is the work of young children, and imitation is their natural way to learn. Warmth, security and natural beauty abound in our home-like setting where we offer activities such as storytelling, singing, puppetry, costume play, circle games, watercolor painting, drawing with beeswax crayons, baking, cleaning, outdoor play and seasonal festivals.
Songs and nursery rhymes cultivate a lively sense of language. Listening to stories, watching puppet shows and acting in dramatic play enrich language and strengthen a child’s powers of memory and imagination. Counting games and rhythmic activities build a solid foundation for arithmetic and number skills. Work and play activities develop coordination, concentration, and a healthy social sensitivity. Participation in seasonal activities and festivals provides joyful experience and develop a child’s inner life. 
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Our early childhood program is referred to as “kindergarten,” which is the norm at many Waldorf schools around the country. Children enjoy more continuity and stability when they remain with the same teachers and in the same environment for several years. The older children are given more responsibilities, and they help the younger children. The younger children learn from the older ones and gradually grow into a more mature role in the classroom. The Chickadee Kindergarten is for children ages three and a half to six and is divided into three sections, Chickadee I, II, & III, depending on the child's age. CHICKADEES I 3 1/2 - 4 years old (must be 3 by March 31) 3-day, half-day program for Tuesday - Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CHICKADEES II 5 - 6 years old (must be 5 by August 31) 4-day, half-day program for Tuesday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CHICKADEES III 5 - 6 years old (must be 5 by March 31) 4-day program, Tuesday - Friday. Full-days, Tuesday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and a half-day on Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CHICKADEES III, Homeschool Enrichment 5 - 6 years old (must be 5 by March 31) 1-day program, Friday only. Half-day on Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Our Homeschool Enrichment program is also designed to encourage social interactions which help lay the foundation for problem-solving, executive function and emotional intelligence. Your child will be welcomed into our older-aged children's group to participate in activities that are more challenging to accomplish. They will still benefit from the strong daily rhythm that includes both indoor and outdoor time, circle and story time and a main snack together. For prices and additional information please see the Admissions section. |