Classes and Age Levels:
At Emmanuel, children are grouped in classes according to age. In most cases, children are grouped according to state regulations for public schools. Children must be of appropriate age by September 1.
Little Bugs Class-- Age: 18 months to 2 years old
Apple Class-- Age: 2 years
Busy Bees Class-- Age: 3 years
Big Bugs Class-- Age: 4 years/pre-K
Classroom Objectives:
To develop curriculum appropriate for each age group, Emmanuel follows the guidelines recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). At any time, parents should feel free to speak with the director or their child’s teacher about curriculum questions. An annual teacher-parent conference is scheduled in January for each child.
Curriculum plans for all children include the following goals:
Develop social skills and knowledge
Encourage children to think, reason, question and experiment (as used in mathematic, science, and social studies)
Encourage language (speaking, listening) and literacy development (emergent reading, writing awareness and skills)
Enhance physical development and skills
Encourage creative expression, representation, and appreciation for the arts
Respect cultural diversity
Teachers offer a variety of “centers” with developmentally appropriate material, equipment and activities. Children are encouraged but not forced to participate. Activities are planned so that more energetic activities are followed by quiet ones. The following centers are set up with developmentally appropriate materials and equipment:
Toddlers (18 months - 36 months)
Manipulatives such as stacking toys, large wooden spools/beads/cubes, pounding bench, simple puzzles
Block center/woodworking (older toddlers)
Book center-sturdy picture books
Dramatic play/pretending: play telephone, dolls, housekeeping
Art: large paper, crayons, paints
Sensory: sand and water
Outdoor play everyday, weather permitting
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
Unit blocks and accessories
Manipulative toys/ puzzles
Books/tapes, musical instruments
Art: finger, tempera, and water color paints, crayons, safe scissors, paste
Dramatic play: dolls, dress-up clothes and props, child-sized furniture, puppets
Sand and water
Woodworking
Outdoor play everyday, weather permitting