Our Programs
Our programs are designed for children aged 2.5 years old through kindergarten. We are NAEYC accredited and participate with Grow NJ Kids. We have adopted the Highscope curriculum for our toddler through Pre-K program. We follow the Westfield Public School district kindergarten curriculum.
TODDLERS
Age: 2.5 to 3 years old
Ratio: 1 teacher to 7 children
Class size: 15 children
Our youngest learners need to feel safe and supported so they can learn with their whole body and all of their senses. Our teachers focus on developing supportive, trusting relationships with the children in their care. We create rich environments that encourage very young children to explore and discover the world around them, helping them to engage in experiences designed to support their optimal development in all domains.
The Curriculum encompasses everything that occurs in the room. From the design of the environment to the materials on the shelves to the activities planned each day. The child’s entire experience is important. The physical, social, emotional, language and intellectual development of each child is considered when planning developmentally appropriate activities. Small muscle/eye hand coordination (fine motor) materials and large muscle equipment is provided. Sensory experiences include such activities as water play, finger-painting, and working with play dough. Outdoor play is also an important part of our daily routine and allows for children to go outside twice a day!
Our goal is to foster self-confidence and competence in the children as they discover the world around them. We strive to encourage each child’s intellectual, creative, and physical abilities while at the same time fostering a positive image and a love of exploring the world.
PRESCHOOL
Age: 3 years old to 4 years old
Ratio: 1 teacher to 8 children
Class size: 16 children
In our preschool program, teachers ignite children’s interest in learning by creating an environment that encourages them to explore learning materials and interact with adults and peers. We focus on supporting early learners as they make decisions, build academic skills, develop socially and emotionally, and become part of a classroom community. Active learning is at the center of our Curriculum. It’s the foundation for gaining knowledge through their natural play and interactions with the environment, events, and other people.
A consistent framework for the day provides a balanced variety of experiences and learning opportunities. Children engage in both individual and social play, participate in small- and large-group activities, assist with cleanup, socialize during meals, develop self-care skills, and exercise their small and large muscles. Outdoor play is extremely important as well. The schedule allows for children to play outside twice everyday!
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Age: 4 years old to 5 years old
Ratio: 1 teacher to 8 children
Two Classes: 17 children each class
In our pre-k program, teachers create a learning environment that encourages children to explore learning materials and interact with adults and peers. We focus on kindergarten readiness skills such as: learning beginning sounds and recognizing and writing letters and numbers properly. Teachers will encourage children to make decisions, help them build academic skills, develop socially and emotionally, and become part of a classroom community. Active learning is at the center of our Curriculum. It’s the foundation for gaining knowledge through their natural play and interactions with the environment, events, and other people.
A consistent framework for the day provides a balanced variety of experiences and learning opportunities. Children engage in both individual and social play, participate in small- and large-group activities, assist with cleanup, socialize during meals, develop self-care skills, and exercise their small and large muscles. Outdoor play is extremely important as well. The schedule allows for children to play outside twice everyday!
KINDERGARTEN
Age: 5 years old to 6 years old
Ratio: 1 teacher to 10 children
Class size: 17 children and can go up to a max of 29.
Based on new location JULY 2024*
The Kindergarten curriculum encompasses a comprehensive and hands-on approach,
which envelopes inclusiveness and developmentally appropriate concepts and skills.
Through this program, children are exposed to and participate in acquiring understanding of the world that we live in and making connections through instruction and play. It is organized into four instructional strands. These components integrate teaching strategies that support all types of learners to become successful in learning content from all subject areas, making personal connections, and developing a wide variety of skills to comprehend and give meaning to what is being taught. The program provides Summative, Interim, and Formative Assessments, which coincide with Westfield Public Schools. The success, progression, and understanding of each child are the most important aspects of instruction. Having the ability to provide sufficient time for individualized, one-on-one instruction is the underlying fundamental piece in providing the best possible learning environment for all learners.
Our Kindergarten takes local field trips into town to visit the community. They visit Stop & Shop, the Miller Cory House, the fish market and more! Special field trips include Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Union County College Planetarium and the Statue of Liberty! (Parents are required for these trips)
INCLUDED WITH TUITION
In addition to classroom instruction and plenty of play, we ensure children get a well-rounded week of additional activities.
Programs include:
MUSIC- An interactive music program that allows children to sing, dance and play different musical instruments while learning different notes and rhythms.
STRETCH-n-GROW- A program that is designed to promote exercise and wellness for children. Children learn the basics and importance of exercise. Issues such as safety, nutrition and self-esteem are emphasized.
SPANISH LANGUAGE- Maracas Spanish class for children ages 3 – Kindergarten based on the Spanish language. The program uses music, interactive play, and crafts to expose children to the sounds and rhythms of Spanish in a fun and exciting way.
LITTLE GYM ON WHEELS- (10 weeks in the winter) The Little Gym of Cranford provides an afternoon gymnastics program in Westminster Hall, our indoor play area. Activities include tumbling, balancing, use of parallel bar, balance beams and more.
