Academy of Little Learners

The educational program at Academy of Little Learners is based on sound principles of child development. Our goals are to give children a sense of self worth by helping them develop at their own individual pace while learning basic skills. We want the children to feel confident and secure enough to explore and grow in a stimulating educational and social environment.

We are committed to promoting and supporting all aspects of a child’s growth in an atmosphere of respect. Your child is an individual who is an integral member of a group, and whose uniqueness is acknowledged and appreciated by that group.

Children participate in a variety of individual and group activities designed to develop language and reading readiness skills enhancing physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth, skills and attitudes which will increase their ability to succeed in school.

The development and training of staff is a continuous process, which includes attending workshops, listening to guest speakers and frequent discussion. The staff is encouraged to visit other programs and to take classes related to child development. Each site has a site supervisor and qualified teachers and aides.

The daily activities are designed to provide appropriate experiences in the following early childhood development areas:

Social Development

Getting along in groups Learning responsible behavior (such as sharing) Respecting ethnic/cultural/age/sexual differences Expressing feelings appropriately

Cognitive Development

Providing experience with math and science Promoting children’s curiosity about the world by encouraging observation, exploration and experimentation Building reading and writing skills Fostering imagination and creativity

Language Skills

Listening, speaking, following directions Children learning numbers, relational concepts and classification skills leading to problem solving

Physical Development

Developing large and small muscle skills Increasing body awareness Improving eye-hand coordination and perceptual skills Exploring rhythm and movement

Emotional Development

Promoting positive self image Fostering cooperation Developing independence, initiative and trust Experiencing art, music, drama and dance

Parent Involvement / Participation

We always welcome your ideas, concerns, comments, suggestions and participation.

Your participation in the school is important because it makes us partners in the education of your child. We want to work with you to provide learning opportunities which match your child’s own pace and style.

It helps us to know about family changes, such as a grandparent’s visit or a new baby. We will also share our concerns with you.

Feel welcome to spend time in your child’s classroom. We look forward to getting to know each family. Since children are often with us for several years, we see ourselves as a meaningful part of your children’s lives.

We hope that you will schedule talks with your child’s teachers as well as take advantage of the formal conference periods held twice a year.

You are your child’s most influential teacher. Your participation in the school says that you value education.

There are a variety of ways you can help in the child care center such as:

Sharing special talents and knowledge
Participating in the Parent Advisory Committee
Sharing cultural heritage
Clothing

Children are active in the center. They will be using expressive materials including paint (which may not wash out), water, mud, etc. In addition, they will be involved in climbing and running activities. Please dress your child in comfortable, appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.

If you are concerned about your child’s clothing, please send a change of clothing. Please label the clothes—including all jackets, coats, etc.—to prevent lost items.