Slade, Billie

Program Description: Wonder in the Woods is a 5 STAR registered early childhood program in East Dummerston, VT. We are a play based and nature inspired program where it is believed that the children are the curriculum and have much to teach us if we are only paying attention.Our program is built on the philosophy that children learn best when they are engaged in meaningful exploration of things they are interested in. We believe play and learning are intertwined and our days are filled with art, music, nature, discovery, building, pretending, creating, collaborating and experimenting all within a framework of play.Through all their experiences, children get to try social skills, problem solving, imagination, self- regulation and empathy. They also develop their cognitive, fine and gross motor skills which all serve them well now and when they go out into the world. We keep our group small to be able to know all of the children and families well and work closely to connect them to our program and to each other. Purpose/ Philosophy: Caring for children is my profession of choice and I believe the early years are the crucial foundation for all future development and success in life. I believe that children grow best in an environment of love and respect where they are allowed to be children and not just on their way to the next stage. I believe that children learn deeply through play and that all the skills needed can be developed through ample opportunities for play. I believe the natural world has much to teach us and that children need to have time and space outside to explore to fully appreciate and learn to care for the earth! I believe that a child can never have too many caring adults in their lives and that our relationship (parents and provider) will set the tone for each child's feelings about this place and time in their lives. Daily Schedule* 7:00 am on-Arrival-free play until all our friends are here. (Please help your child wash their hands upon arrival/ before eating) 8:00ish - Breakfast as children are hungry (Children may help set table, count spoons, etc and clean up afterwards too) 8:30ish-Indoor Choice Time (I put out materials based on children's interests and rotate these regularly) Choices may include blocks, dress up,Magnatiles, puzzles, books, housekeeping corner, drawing, games, puppets, etc or any other materials they find in the interest centers. 9:30ish-Head outdoors for exploration, walks, games, tricycles, building, climbing, running, discovering, digging, planting, etc, etc. 10:30ish-Snack (Children often help to prepare snack in the morning during choice time or before everyone arrives, wash hands, set table, etc 10:45ish- Art (Indoors or Out-depending on their preference) and Large Muscle Play-Creative Movement, dancing, circle games, parachute, etc) 12:15ish - Clean up for lunch-our space and ourselves after playing all morning! 12:30ish- Lunch time-yummy food and sparkling conversation! Clean up, etc 1:00ish- Gathering Time for stories, songs, fingerplays, and sharing 1:15ish Get out mats for rest time, use bathroom, brush teeth, etc (I sing quiet lullabies, rub backs, dim lights etc and help children settle in for a rest.) Children who do not need to sleep may get up and quietly play with books, puzzles, etc in the big room. I check on children who are sleeping every ten minutes or so. 3:00 ish Snack time (children are allowed to wake up naturally as their bodies tell them to) (School agers (if any) may arrive during this time as well and join us for snack and we all take time to talk about our day! 3:30ish- Free Choice time-(Indoors or Out) until parents arrive between now and 5:30.

Additional Information: Initial License Date: 06/30/2024; 5 Star Registered Home;