Description: Catoctin Sun Nature Preschool is a progressive, specialized nature preschool program following the Reggio Emilia, project approach method of exploring topics of interest in-depth, over a longer period of time.
What we will do OUTSIDE:
~We go on daily nature walks, in many kinds of weather
~Feed the birds
~Document wildlife sightings and tracks
~Nurture our little garden
~Upcycle, recycle and build with materials
~Play in our Mud Pie Kitchen (all weather-suit covers over clothing)
~Chart & graph seasonal findings on clipboards
~Collect and curate found nature objects
~Learn about native plants, trees and wildlife around our school
~Cultivate our creative sides with paint and sensory play
~We run, jump and strengthen our gross/fine motor skills
What we will do INSIDE:
~We learn & practice peaceful, cooperative play
~Take part in long-term, child-guided units using The Project Approach
~ Share & explore our universe through open-ended classroom centers
~Draw, paint and create
~Put on plays & act out favorite stories
~Raise tadpoles to frogs and caterpillars to butterflies
~Start seeds and clippings & observe how plants grow
~ We practice yoga and dance and much much more...
***Our classroom will offer gender-neutral toys and natural materials will be used whenever possible.***
Our curriculum philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, named after the town in Italy where it was developed soon after World War II. Reggio Emilia has become a curriculum model of excellence that has attracted worldwide attention.
*The Hundred Languages of Children*
Throughout the learning process, children are encouraged to depict their understanding in one of many symbolic "languages" - including drawing, sculpture, dramatic play & re-telling, writing, and designing. Graphic representation is one of the key ways that teachers have a “window” into the learning process of young children. Children take part in long-term projects - the Project Approach - with daily opportunities to explore and modify individual and cooperative work.
*Parents & Teachers as Learners*
We will include parents and volunteers in many of our activities including nature walks and culminating activities that contextualize what we have learned so far.
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Date | Type | Regulations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-16 | Mandatory Review | 13A.16.03.06A(2) | Corrected |
| Findings: Director notified LS in April of a staff that left in January. Director was reminded that she needed to let OCC know of staff changes within 5 days of its occurrence. | |||
| 2024-04-16 | Mandatory Review | 13A.16.06.05C(1) | Open |
| Findings: The director completed 5 hours of training for the 22-23 year and needs to complete 7 more hours to complete her annual training. Director was reminded that she also needs to complete 12 hours of training for the current year. Director will send LS the missing 7 hours of training with the professional development plan as soon as possible. | |||
| 2024-04-16 | Mandatory Review | 13A.16.06.05C(3) | Open |
| Findings: The director needs to complete the current BHS update and will do so as soon as possible. Certificate will be sent to LS to show it was completed. | |||
| 2024-04-16 | Mandatory Review | 13A.16.06.09C | Open |
| Findings: One teacher is missing the health and safety update, and will have this completed as soon as possible. Director will send certificate to LS to show it was completed. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.03.03A(2) | Corrected |
| Findings: Attendance is not being verified by children's parents. Director will begin doing so immediately and will send to LS for correction. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.03.03C | Corrected |
| Findings: The consumer education pamphlet was not on display at the center. Director will hang this up and let LS know once it's hung. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.03.04C | Corrected |
| Findings: Two of the emergency forms reviewed were not complete. One needed to be updated and another needed the parent signature and complete info for the child's physician. Director will send these to LS for correction. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.03.04G | Corrected |
| Findings: One file reviewed was missing the child's immunizations. Director will get these and send to LS for correction. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.05.10A | Corrected |
| Findings: The center's phone is the director's cell phone and she was not present at the time of the inspection, therefore no center phone was present. Staff indicated they use their cell phones. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.06.04A(1) | Corrected |
| Findings: JF does not have a medical in the staff file. Director will get this and send to LS for correction. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.06.04A(4) | Corrected |
| Findings: The medical for NH was from 2012 and needs to be updated. Director will send this to LS for correction. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.06.05C(1) | Corrected |
| Findings: Director's training from the last year was not in the staff file. Director will send this and the professional development plan to LS for correction. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.06.12B(2) | Corrected |
| Findings: LM has training in the file but it's not documented on the professional development plan. Director will send that to LS for correction. | |||
| 2023-05-05 | Full | 13A.16.10.02A(1) | Corrected |
| Findings: At the time of the inspection no one present had first aid and CPR. Director will send a plan of correction for this to ensure there is always someone present in her absence who has this. | |||
| 2022-01-12 | Other | 13A.16.08.02B | Corrected |
| Findings: At the time of the visit, two aides were with the children. | |||
If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
Be the first to review this childcare provider. Write a review about Catoctin Sun Nature Preschool. Let other families know what’s great, or what could be improved. Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.
Connect, Seek Advice, Share Knowledge
