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| PROGRAMS |
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| CURRICULUM |
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Our programs offer children a warm, supportive environment in a
comfortable group setting outside the home. Activities are carefully planned to offer children a wealth
of resources and challenges. Teachers encourage non-competitive involvement and adjust the structured
activities based on individuals in the class. Activities include individual or group involvement in play,
arts and crafts, science, nature, storytelling, music and movement.
While the co-op is housed in the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, our curriculum is nonsectarian
and does not include religious instruction. Christmas and Hanukkah traditions are discussed at the time
of those holidays as are other cultural celebrations when they occur. Emphasis is placed upon respect,
caring for others, and learning to be a responsible member of the community.
The curriculum includes a variety of topics such as nature
and the changing seasons, health, fitness and nutrition, space,
community involvement, and learning about other cultures.
Topics are woven into the class using various projects and
presentations. Field trips, family events and special presentations
enhance the programs.
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| DAILY SCHEDULE |
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Each day starts with a period of free play during which the
children move among various activities. One area provides
game, puzzles and books for quiet play. Painting and other
art projects are always available. A dress-up corner and play
kitchen also stimulates the imagination. An extensive block
and toy collection facilitates cooperative or solo play.
Later, clean-up time leads into circle time. The children
come together to enjoy stories, songs and simple games based
on concepts such as matching, counting and letter recognition.
Children are given “jobs” which involve identifying
the day’s weather, recognizing shapes, feeding classroom
fish, and the monthly calendar.
After circle time, children are directed to the daily art
project, which helps to develop fine motor skills and encourages
sharing. The class is broken down into smaller groups to ensure
that children get the attention and assistance that they need.
A variety of mediums are used throughout the year to encourage
creativity and self-expression.
The children eat a healthy snack and listen to stories while
they eat. After helping to clean up their place settings,
children end the session by preparing for active play on the
outdoor playground, where there are tricycles and other age-appropriate
ride-on toys, climbing equipment, slides and a sandbox. In
inclement weather, children enjoy active play in the “Rainy
Day Room,” which features a play structure, building
blocks, gymnastic mats, ride-on toys and an indoor basketball
hoop.
The co-op also features supplemental programs throughout
the school year:
- MUSIC: In addition to routine songs and musical activities
that take place in the classroom, each class has a weekly
music session with our music teacher.
- PHYSICAL EDUCATION: To supplement daily free play on the
playground or in our “Rainy Day Room,” gym classes
are offered for all 3 and 4 year olds on a weekly basis
beginning in October, and for 2 ½ year olds beginning
in January. Our gym teacher puts together a weekly curriculum
that helps to develop children’s large motor skills,
as well as opportunities for sharing and teamwork.
- LIBRARY: Each class visits the school library once a week.
The library is managed by participating parents. Children
will enjoy borrowing books that correspond with the changing
seasons or lesson plans currently followed in their classrooms.
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| LUNCH AND PLAY: AN EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM |
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The co-op is currently offering a Lunch and Play program, which allows children to eat lunch at school
with their friends and enjoy additional playtime together. The program is offered two days a week for
morning and afternoon classes. Weekly sign-up sheets are available for enrollment.
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