Two-Day Program - Preference is given to children turning 3 by September 1. If space is available slots are opened up to children turning 2.9 by September 1. Class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-11:45 AM.   Subject to enrollment, families may choose our new Extended Day option for SY 2010-2011, sending their children from 9:00 AM to 1 PM.

Three-Day Program - For children turning 4 by September 1. Class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00-11:45 AM.  Subject to enrollment, families may choose our new Extended Day option for SY 2010-2011, sending their children from 9:00 AM to 1 PM.

Lunch Dates - Currently, the 3 –day program has an optional “lunch date” each Monday. Children may bring their lunch and stay for extra play time until 1:00 PM. Cost is $10. The 2-day class has “lunch dates” about twice a month, depending on interest.

The Curriculum - Addresses all areas of a child’s development: physical, emotional, cognitive and social. It is developmentally appropriate and is aligned with the Massachusetts Standards for Preschool Education. Learning is encountered through a variety of formal and informal experiences.

Learning Centers: Children develop and extend small and gross motor skills, receptive and oral language, concrete and abstract reasoning as well as self confidence and social skills as they make their way around the classroom learning areas. Centers include: blocks, puppet theater, dramatic play/housekeeping and dress-up, listening center, writing center, sensory table, play dough and the art easel. Each day children are given significant “free play” time to explore areas as they wish. Teachers and parent helpers interact to assist and extend children’s play.

Together Time: In addition to adult assisted free-play, children participate daily in a structured, teacher- directed “together time.” This is when children learn the conventions of group life as well as songs, poems, finger plays, stories, show and tell, and information about the current theme or topic of study. Projects for the day are discussed and modeled.

Snack Time: Much is taught and learned at this highly social group time. Self-pouring and clean up is practiced as well as good manners and self control.

Project Time: Projects and activities are generally theme-based and extend and compliment the topics and discussions from “together time.’ Activities are hands-on and child-directed. It is understood that young children value process over product and are therefore encouraged to explore and experiment with a wide variety of raw materials: paint, paper, clay,wood, natural found objects and cooking food.

Clean-Up Time: Clean-up time is very much a part of the daily curriculum and it is continually taught and re-taught. Responsibility and independence are desired outcomes.

Outdoor Play: Outdoor play is highly valued at My School and every effort is made to get outside on a daily basis. Self-dressing is taught and practiced all year.

Both the two and three day programs provide exposure and practice in all aspects of what are considered “school readiness skills.” Some of these include:

Small motor development necessary for handwriting

• Scissoring skills
• General language awareness
• Letter awareness-exposure to alphabet
• Ability to recognize and write own name
• Phonological awareness
• Eye-hand coordination
• Manual dexterity
• Number awareness-simple counting
• Shapes and colors
• Ability to follow directions
• Listening skills
• Speaking skills
• Self help skills
• Social awareness
• Self confidence
• Conflict resolution empathy and awareness of others

Typical Themes at My School

• School Routines
• All About Me
• Families
• Holidays
• Multicultural Events
• Seasons and nature
• Animals and pets
• Community helpers