FAMILIES: Looking for a Preschool - School Readiness program for your child?

Preschool - School Readiness Program

We believe children excel in learning new skills when they are surrounded by real and meaningful experience in a hands-on, project based curriculum…

A strong emphasis is placed on school readiness through preschool activities in the areas of:

Cognitive Development:
* Language and literacy
* Math
* Science
* Social science
* Creativity
* Visual and performing arts

Social Development:
* Social relations
* Positive self-concept
* Problem solving
* Self help

Physical Development:
* Small and large motor skills
* Creative movement
* Health and nutrition

We believe that our highly skilled and educated teachers implement a program that enhances children’s learning and development…

Our program provides:
* A developmental assessment within the first 60 days of enrollment
* An individual plan for skill development to ensure kindergarten readiness
* A program that provides active learning experiences to promote language and literacy, math and science concepts, social development and self-help skills
* A portfolio of individual work to document each child’s progress
* Two parent conferences annually, ongoing communication and partnership
* A follow up assessment to measure each child’s growth over a year
* Staff who continually improve program quality through professional development
* Continued program quality development and improvement that is based on state and national criteria through
NAEYC Accreditation, California’s Department of Education grade level standards and the Desired Results Program
* A welcome place for families and all children, respecting their home language, cultural values and traditions
* An inclusive environment that supports the individual and special needs of all children

What you will find in our programs:
* Flexible hours – 3-hour morning or afternoon programs, full day programs
* 1:8 – teacher to child ratio
* Nutritious meals and snacks
* Enriched, well-equipped environments
* Fully Qualified Staff
* Trained staff: program, health and safety, nutrition, leadership and management
* Bilingual staff, as needed
* Subsidy may be available

When you observe one of our programs, you will see a balance of child initiated and teacher initiated activities. Small and large group activities include language and literacy, visual and performing arts, math, science and technology. We also include arts and crafts, woodworking and construction, cooking, gardening, sports and games. Our High/Scope framework enables children to plan, participate and review their daily experiences.

In every CDI/CDC program you will see…
A comprehensive program that supports kindergarten readiness and individual support for growth.

Children involved in active learning. We believe children must be actively engaged in the activities and projects that children and staff choose. All activities have a variety of choices because we focus on process and not product. Ample materials are available for children to explore. Children and staff are discussing and sharing their observations and learning experiences.

Shared responsibility between children and staff. We empower children to solve their own problems by encouraging them to express their feelings and supporting open communication to explore solutions.

An environment with a variety of materials: recycled and natural items, commercial and real life (i.e. adult sized pots/pans, dishes, clothing). Our environment reflects the cultures and home languages of the children and families we serve. You will see materials that are organized according to function, size, color and shape. Our materials are labeled – enabling children to locate and return items to their original location. Each classroom has at least four defined areas (art, quiet, language/math/science, block, drama). Other interest areas may be combined in these four areas or, if space is available, there will be additional interest areas (woodworking and construction, sewing, games, music, computer…to name a few). The aesthetics of the classroom are important. You will see beautiful, home-like environments with natural colors and lighting, plants and items that represent the community of children, families and staff.

A daily routine that provides a balance of small and large groups, time to be alone, time for children to interact, time for children and adults to engage in meaningful dialogue. We also provide a balance of inside and outside explorations. There is flexibility in our routine based on the emerging needs and interests of the children. At the same time we believe children need a consistent, predictable routine. Children must be involved in the decision making of any schedule changes. This supports our belief that children are competent and able to adapt to changes in their environment and routine when supported by caring, trusting adults.

Teachers who are facilitators and researchers. Teachers observe children to see the effects of the environment, how children are using materials and their areas of interest. Staff and children co-plan (co-construct) activities and possibilities that challenge and extend their knowledge and love of learning.

Collaboration between families and the community. Family members are encouraged to participate in our programs. Sharing resources, knowledge and expertise creates a stronger community and supports the children’s experiences. We see respectful parent/family relationships as essential in achieving excellence in our programs.