Apple a Day Preschool

The goal of Apple-A-Day Preschool is to provide an early childhood program within the facility of Presbyterian Manor, a retirement home community. With the children and the elderly under a common roof, significant benefits include the following: a vital community service operated under state regulations; decreased social isolation for aging adults; developing social, cognitive learning skills in a structured and creative environment for the children. This early childhood program utilizes age and individual appropriate curriculum providing for all areas of the child’s development, through an integrated approach. Children will engage in art, music, science observation, choice of centers, children’s literature, and structured small group activities. Children learn through a variety of activities and age-appropriate materials based on our concepts of the month. Parents receive monthly newsletters to inform families of our lesson plans/activities, and receive ideas that will extend the learning at home. Apple-A-Day Preschool has the unique opportunity of being an intergenerational program. The preschool classroom is located within the Newton Presbyterian Manor and each class has its own grandparent volunteer. The preschool children have regularly scheduled activities with residents of the Manor. The weekly visits/activities are coordinated by the Preschool Director and the Activities Director of the Manor. The preschool classes have opportunities to share with their families during planned program times in the winter and spring. We have Thanksgiving or Christmas programs and special family events at the Manor’s Apple Blossom Festival in April.