COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We are proud to support the community of Red Hook by participating in all local celebrations, including Hardscrabble Day, Apple Blossom Day and Memorial Day.  We march in all the parades and invite community members to share their knowledge and talents with the children.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

We welcome and encourage parents to join us on field trips and to participate in various events throughout the year.  Some of these include our annual book fair, Trick-or-Treating through town and the "Coats for Kids" drive.  We are happy to provide priceless entertainment at our annual Thanksgiving Day concert and our graduation ceremonies. 

OUR STAFF

We have a wonderful, dedicated staff that has devoted many years to working with children.  All members of our staff have current First Aid and CPR training.  They regularly attend in-service training to enhance their skills and expertise.  Each head teacher has her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and ALL of our teachers have years of experience in Early Childhood Education.  They are completely dedicated to providing your child with a successful and memorable preschool experience.

A TYPICAL DAY AT NURSERY SCHOOL

Note:  Times and starting room will vary, but activities and room changes are consistent.

9:00-9:45 Large Playroom

Children are free to choose from many different activities as their friends arrive at school.  These activities include playing with blocks, dress-up clothes, dollhouses, trucks and the rice table.  They also enjoy the housekeeping and dramatic play centers.  Skills practiced: sharing, decision making, and small motor coordination, sorting, following directions.

9:45-10:00 Circle Time

This segment involves the children in discussions derived from the theme of the week, such as farming, planting, dinosaurs, health and safety and nutrition.  Songs and stories are shared that relate to these themes.  Also introduced at this time are useful concepts such as the different seasons, changes in the weather, and days of the week.  Storytelling and the exchange of ideas are encouraged.  Skills practiced: listening, sequencing and retaining information, group cooperation, following story lines, recognition of rhymes, words and pictures.

10:00-10:30 Arts and Crafts Room

Here the children will get acquainted with using many different art media such as clay, scissors, paint and glue.  Projects will usually follow the theme of the week. Skills practiced: self-expression, creativity, decision making, following directions and fine motor coordination. 

10:30-11:00 Snack Time

Snack duty is rotated amongst parents and the children eat together “family style”.  The child who brings in snack for the week helps the teachers pass it out to his or her classmates.  This is a quiet time in their day when children are encouraged to use their manners and practice patience as they await their snack.  Following snack, the children are encouraged to use the bathroom, look at books and play quietly on the rug.

11:00-11:25 Playground or Gym

Outdoor play is encouraged whenever weather permits.  The children can enjoy digging in the sandbox, playing on the wooden train, climbing on the play sets or using the see-saw, slide or playhouse.  Indoor play in our gym includes using the tumbling mats, balls, tricycles, basketball hoop and parachute, as well as organized games.

11:25-11:30 Preparing to go Home

Belongings, outdoor clothing and projects are gathered.  Children are dismissed individually as parents arrive.