Classes and Curriculum

 

We offer three classes at Westside; Toddlers, Threes, and Pre-K.  See Enrollment for class times and requirements, or keep reading below for more detailed class descriptions and pictures of our facility.

 

Toddler Classes

 

10 students maximum

Adult-to-child ratio is 1:2

2 hour class

Enrollment Info

 

The toddler classes are designed to help our youngest students develop a love of learning through self-directed activities which develop independence, confidence, and self control, and also encourage creative thinking and self expression. With a ratio of 2 children to one adult the children's needs are quickly noticed, acknowledged and met so the children learn to trust and interact with other adults which helps overcome separation anxiety.

The classroom environment provides

  • opportunities for both independent and cooperative play
  • a daily art activity which is focused on the doing (process) not the finished product
  • a circle time for developing listening and language skills
  • music and movement activities
  • a snack time gathering that develops small motor skills,social skills, creates friendships and a sense of belonging to the group while teaching colors, textures, shapes, manners and nutrition

The toddlers also develop large and small motor skills playing outside on the swings, slides, trikes and cars, shoveling in the sand box and carrying water in their buckets for tea parties and sand pies. They learn to take turns, cooperate and share. They learn to help each other. The opportunities to learn are everywhere, and the children choose what they want to learn. Everyday brings new achievements, milestones, success and lots of smiles!

 

 


Threes Class

 

20 students maximum

Adult-to-child ratio is 1:3

2 1/2 hour class

Enrollment Info

 

From 3 to 5 years old, children need lots of hands on, developmentally appropriate experiences to support their social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive development.

At age 3 children experience huge leaps in

  • Language use
  • Social skills
  • Physical coordination and confidence
  • Emotional independence

In the Threes Class we focus on all of these areas through:

  • Longer circle times with a variety of songs, movement activities, longer stories and more opportunities to participate. Encourages the development of language, cognitive and physical skills.
  • Conflict resolution through guided practice in taking turns, asking for a turn, waiting for a turn, and defending one's own space and rights. This encourages social and emotional development.
  • Encouragement to gain social skills by playing together in the dramatic play areas, train, block and manipulative areas, and the sandbox. Encourages social skills.
  • More complex art activities focusing on the nurturing of creative development through free expression with a variety of mediums. Encourages social, physical and emotional development.
  • A longer time to explore the outdoor environment. Encourages social and physical development.
  • A thematic curriculum that changes monthly geared especially to the interests of three year olds including: seasons, relationships, food, farm animals, holidays, dinosaurs, and transportation. The curriculum is constantly tweaked and altered in response to the interests of the particular children. Encourages cognitive development.
  • More independence from parents as they stay at school longer without a parent, make their own choices about what to do and learn to accept their parent's duties while participating. Encourages emotional development and confidence.
  • A variety of field trips that have been tested for interest and appropriateness for three year olds: including a pumpkin patch tour, Safeway, gymnastics, farm tour, and Happy Hollow Zoo.

 

Pre-K Class

 

20 students maximum

Adult-to-child ratio is 1:4

3 hour class

Enrollment Info

 

From age 4-5 children experiences huge leaps in

  • Cognitive abilities
  • Small motor control
  • Cooperative and imaginative play
  • Language manipulation
  • Self Confidence

The Westside Pre-K class encourages the development of these through:

  • Small Group time that focuses on science, math and literacy development.
  • Longer circle times with more complex word games, chanting, songs, sharing and discussions.
  • Exposure to other languages and cultures through singing, counting, cooking, holidays, books, and dramatic play.
  • Longer story books with more complex story lines and discussions.
  • The "adventure backpack" that encourages language development and family time.
  • The opportunity to practice using writing instruments in a journal, during art, and during small group activities.
  • Longer free play time that encourages immersion in imaginative play both indoors and outdoors.
  • Large group play opportunities with emphasis on community building, making friends, playing group games and feeling included.
  • Cooking projects
  • Science experiments that explore chemistry, physics, and biology.
  • Monthly field trips that are longer and more in-depth such as: restaurant and grocery store tours, YSI, farms and Hiller Avaiation Museum..
  • Thematic curriculum geared to the interests of four and five year olds explored more in depth including: space, insects, safety, and fairy tales.
  • The introduction to money through a class store.
  • Art appreciation through story books, discussion and games.

3 Hour Schedule includes:

  • 20-30 minute Good morning circle time with sharing, singing, discussions, and literature.
  • 1.5 hours of free choice including 2 art projects, snack, outdoor time, puzzles and manipulatives, carpentry, science projects, block and train play, and musical instruments.
  • 20-30 minute small group time.
  • 20-25 minute closing circle time with games, musical instruments, movement, music and stories.