For children ages three to six years

The curriculum and design of the early childhood room focus on providing more structured individual lessons to the children while allowing them to make their own choices about how to manage their time and move freely, exercising both their bodies and minds. Respect – for themselves, for those around them and for the environment – is the fundamental principle that helps guide the children’s interactions.

In giving lessons, teachers emphasize the process of decision making along with the result, providing children strategies for problem-solving and experience with predicting patterns. We customize the materials based on the ages and abilities of the children in the class.

We offer art, science, geography, math, language and sensorial activities in additional to “practical life” experiences. Each type of work is carefully and intentionally planned to teach particular skills and lay the foundation for future academic pursuits such as advanced reading, writing and math.

The range of ages within the group promotes mastery and nurtures leadership by allowing older children to help the younger children as well.

In addition to specific, personalized instruction, we gather as a group for “circle time,” in which we sing, tell stories, play movement games, discuss important events in the class and celebrate milestones together.

The children take an active role in every aspect of the classroom, from meal preparation to helping to ensure the room is tidy. This shared accountability helps our enthusiastic helpers take pride in and responsibility for their environment and builds confidence by reinforcing their sense of order.

Thanks to our distinctive location on the campus of the Burke Rehabilitation Center, we are pleased to offer Children and Adults Recreating Equally (C.A.R.E.). In this program, children from the 3-6 classroom have the opportunity to participate in weekly recreational activities with patients at the hospital, producing many benefits for the children and patients alike.

Our teachers are happy to share their experience and guidance with parents as they consider the appropriate time for their children to transition to kindergarten or first grade.