Poker Hill School, Inc.

For all of our preschoolers, we develop and support a curriculum of care, which focuses on the social and emotional development of early preschoolers. In order to do this, we develop routines and expectations for the group which support a healthy understanding of relating to others as well as caring for oneself. We specifically teach the following: Expectations around joining in group meetings, such as daily music meeting and morning meetings, including sitting throughout, focusing on the speaker, and taking turns to respond. Expectations around group activities, such as staying with the group while on outdoor explorations, how to use materials appropriately, and how to look at books independently during quiet time. Managing transitions which revolve around a consistent daily schedule, including cleaning up play spaces, learning the order of daily events, and managing belongings. Caring for one's individual needs, such as independent toileting, hand washing, dressing and undressing. Caring for one's belongings, including independently putting clothes into cubbies, keeping belongings in their proper places, and cleaning up group spaces. Forming relationships between peers and with adults, including clearly expressing needs and wants. Managing conflicts, including finding solutions which are suitable for both parties, compromising, and expressing oneself verbally. Additionally, teachers develop activities and curriculum ideas to meet the changing developmental needs of all children. We recognize that children's development unfolds in a progressive manner as they grow and build on existing skills. Teachers strive to provide a wide variety of experiences that provide children with opportunities to explore while also scaffolding learning across the domains. Teachers create learning experiences with recognized goals in mind, understanding that all development happens on a continuum. It bears noting that our stated goals are for the end of a child's second year at Poker Hill School. We understand that not all children will reach these goals but may be working toward them throughout the school year. Poker Hill School focuses on monthly and seasonal changes in the world around us and in our school. In order to develop a curriculum which meets the common goals, teachers provide experiences which reflect what children observe as well as those topics that children express an interest in. We believe strongly in our connection to the land and our location. As such we create a place-based curriculum that informs how and what we provide for learning experiences. We understand that seasonal changes around us should be the primary inspiration when building curriculum.

Additional Information: Initial License Date: 05/31/2005; Area Description: Fenced Yard, Smoke Free; Pets: Other Furry Animal; Special Schedule: School Year Only; Program Meals: Allergy Awareness; 5 Star Center Based Child Care and Preschool Program - Licensed Provider;