The Parent-Toddler Program

Weekly classes for parents and toddlers offer a unique opportunity for parent and child to share the school experience. Establishing relationships with teachers and learning to adjust to a new environment and classroom routines are goals. These goals are accomplished and strengthened within the safety and security of having a parent alongside. Children benefit greatly in the transition to preschool when parent and child share this beginning. Classroom activities are geared to these goals and to the child's stage of development. Feelings of separation while still present at entrance to nursery school are eased by a sense of mom/dad having been a part of the school experience during the important toddler stage.

The Pre-School

The foundation of our work in the preschool is to assure the children of a secure transition between home and school. This crucial stage needs sensitive handling. Children come to us with many different requirements. Some are eager for the stimulating environments we offer. For others, the ties with parents are still strong, and close contact between home and school ensures those first few steps into school are made with confidence. From there, the children are able to explore their new world through the many varied activities and learning experiences that the pre-school offers. Conceptual learning and the learning of specific skills for preschool age children are part of a balanced curriculum at AAHCDC. At the center of our curriculum and woven throughout classroom activities and themes is a focus on our "natural world". Children have a natural curiosity to explore and make sense of their world. They find meaning and relevance to their conceptual and skill learning within the predictability and gradual nature of the process of the life cycle. From day to day, season to season everything comes full circle. There is a continuity in all - from the tiny pumpkin seed collected in classrooms in the fall, to the winter drying time, the spring planting, the summer "nurturing", the fall harvest and the return to school of a new pumpkin. Our celebrations of the wonders that flow around us are highly motivating to the children. Daily when the child enters the school s/he is greeted by the teacher and then is given the freedom to explore the various learning activities and interest centers that have been prepared before his/her arrival. These centers may be changed from week to week, day to day, and sometimes from hour to hour. Paint, clay, collage, blocks, computers, books, dolls, etc., are all available. Each day is special. There is always something new or some way that is new. However, there are also enough things that remain the same to provide the security and comfort of familiarity. Learning centers are arranged for ease of movement and convenience of use, as well as for maximum challenge to the body and mind. A teacher is always nearby to lend support when needed - to help the child when s/he momentarily loses control of materials, equipment, or even his/her emotions. A teacher is always available to answer a question, offer a challenging statement, or make an asked-for suggestion, in keeping with each particular child's current level of achievement, interest, ability and needs.

Children learn from watching others and from interacting with them. Many valuable social skills such as cooperation, sharing, and communication are learned from relationships with others. All forms of communication, especially verbal communication, are encouraged.

The Primary School

Our primary school spans the ages of 5 to 8 years. Some children have already been through our pre-school, others can join us at 5 or later, transferring from a variety of environments. Here in the primary school the children are introduced to all the main subjects of the school curriculum. Academic subjects are approached according to the level and development of each child and, with encouragement, children can make rapid progress without undue pressure. We place a strong emphasis on Literacy, Mathematics and Science…the core subjects. Other subjects such as history and geography often take the form of project work. This directly involves the child's capacity for absorbing new knowledge through their vital interest in the world around them. We teach a foreign language in the primary school. Computers are available in all the classrooms, so that children become completely familiar with this medium of working. Music, Physical Education, games and movement are given additional support from specialist teachers. Staff work closely together and discuss each child's progress while more formal records of development are kept through a portfolio method that includes self-assessment and evaluation as well as goal setting. So throughout their years in the primary school the children are supported by the understanding of the staff in a happy and encouraging family atmosphere, where their achievements are given recognition and value.