PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Each age group offers a wide range of learning experiences designed for the ability levels of the group. Developmental goals are given to each classroom based on their age and projected growth throughout the year. Each level of developmental goals builds on the previous level with the ultimate standard being measured by the Skills for Kindergarten Readiness as published by the Department of Education.

Our playground is fully equipped with a variety of gross and fine motor skill building equipment. Opportunities for tactile and dramatic play experiences abound in the age-appropriate areas provided. Each age level has its own recess session with times for combined play throughout the day.

Every month, parents receive a lesson plan from their child’s teacher with the daily activities for the month as well as any special parties and/or events. Along with the monthly calendar, teachers send home a monthly letter to keep parents informed of the classroom progress. The school also has a monthly newsletter to better inform parents on general policies and procedures as well as upcoming events.

CURRICULUM/DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS
Activities that support the individual development of each child will always be stressed. It is the staff’s responsibility to assure that each child is challenged to their own individual level. The developmental goals for each classroom are stated as general expectations for the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to exceed these goals whenever and wherever possible for the continued advancement and development of the children in their room. It is also expected that the teacher will adjust the complexity and repetition of the activities in the room to suit the needs of the children’s developmental level and to provide suitable challenges for their growth.

(Please see individual classroom “Developmental Goals” for specific curriculum criteria)

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Students are evaluated using the DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile) established by the California Department of Education. The DRDP is made up of 39 specific measures that gauge a child’s development in the area(s) of

• Children are Personally and Socially Competent
• Children are Effective Learners
• Children show Physical and Motor Competence
• Children are Safe & Healthy

All four areas are assessed using specific individual measures. Children are assessed for each measure based on whether they are Exploring, Developing, Building & Integrating.

Teachers are gathering information for the assessment process throughout the year as part of our curriculum. Formal assessments are given twice a year followed by Parent/Teacher conferences. These assessments and conferences are held in the fall to develop individual strategies for each child both at school and home. The 2nd assessment and conference is held in the Spring to update parents on a child’s progress in our program. Special conferences with a teacher and/or the Director may be arranged at any time.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, field trips may be planned by individual classroom teachers or the school as a whole. Parents will be informed well in advance of scheduled trips and asked for their participation. Transportation for field trips will be in the form of parent drivers.

Holidays are celebrated with festive parties and parades. Our monthly teacher-parent letters and school newsletter detail upcoming celebrations. Individual children’s birthdays are always celebrated in each classroom and parents are encouraged to attend!

SCHEDULE
Children need both routine and flexibility. The schedule is subject to change whenever necessary to meet individual needs or to provide unique discovery experiences that do not fit these time frames. The schedule is suggested as a means of giving the children a sense of order and stability based on purposeful development.