Our Preschool Program
Hours of operation
Our preschool program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 1:00pm. We provide a mid-morning snack and hot lunch.
Additional Childcare for Preschoolers
We also provide before and after school care for which you will pay by the hour. Before care is from 8:00am to 9:00am and after care is from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. See tuition and fees below.
Holidays and vacation schedule
The following is a list of national holidays and some extended holidays for 2011-2012 that we will observe by closing The Little Red Wagon:
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is charged on an hourly basis. It is the same rate for preschool hours and before and after care. There are three rates:
There is a non-refundable enrollment application fee of $25. Please refer to the "Get Started" tab to download an enrollment application.
You may choose from a 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day program. In order to get the full benefit of the education provided by the preschool curriculum, it is strongly recommended that children attend preschool for the full week. Regular attendance will help the child to socialize more fluidly with his/her peers. Curriculum content will be more cohesive when students are present throughout an entire unit of lessons. Your child will gain a more solid understanding and mastery of skills when he/she is able to practice regularly. A cohort of students who are in attendance together each day will help to build a stronger learning community.
Our preschool program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 1:00pm. We provide a mid-morning snack and hot lunch.
Additional Childcare for Preschoolers
We also provide before and after school care for which you will pay by the hour. Before care is from 8:00am to 9:00am and after care is from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. See tuition and fees below.
Holidays and vacation schedule
The following is a list of national holidays and some extended holidays for 2011-2012 that we will observe by closing The Little Red Wagon:
- Monday September 5, 2011 – Labor Day
- Monday October 10, 2011 – Discoverer’s Day
- November 23-25, 2011 – Thanksgiving Break
- December 23-30, 2010 – Winter Break
- Monday January 16, 2011 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday February 20, 2011 – Presidents’ Day
- Monday May 28, 2011 – Memorial Day
- Wednesday July 4, 2011 – Independence Day
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is charged on an hourly basis. It is the same rate for preschool hours and before and after care. There are three rates:
- $9.00 / hour if you contract 20 or more hours per week
- $10.00 / hour if you contract for less than 20 hours per week
- $11.00 /hour for drop in hours (non-contracted hours)
- We offer a 10% sibling discount on the second and subsequent sibling
There is a non-refundable enrollment application fee of $25. Please refer to the "Get Started" tab to download an enrollment application.
You may choose from a 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day program. In order to get the full benefit of the education provided by the preschool curriculum, it is strongly recommended that children attend preschool for the full week. Regular attendance will help the child to socialize more fluidly with his/her peers. Curriculum content will be more cohesive when students are present throughout an entire unit of lessons. Your child will gain a more solid understanding and mastery of skills when he/she is able to practice regularly. A cohort of students who are in attendance together each day will help to build a stronger learning community.
Our preschool program is open to children 2-1/2 years or older. We have one classroom with a head teacher and an assistant who floats between the preschool and daycare. The teacher-student ratio varies between about 1:4 and 1:6 depending on the type of activity involved.
Preschoolers participate in more structured activities in a classroom-like environment. Materials and lessons are child-centered to accommodate mixed ages and abilities. With a very low number of students, we can focus on individual needs and tailor the learning trajectory for each child.
We believe in developing the whole child, both mentally and physically. The child best develops in a stimulating environment where she can learn through her senses and physical movement and one which allows the child to explore and discover concepts very independently. We often find that when children can “play” and “tinker” with a puzzle, they develop a deeper understanding of a concept or skill and can problem-solve in much more creative ways than any adult could ever imagine.
Many of the learning manipulatives are Montessori-based which allow the children to explore and discover concepts very independently. The teacher guides the children by preparing the learning environment, teaching the children how to manage themselves and their environment, and providing the necessary structure so that children are able to freely explore, create and invent. The aim is to develop a curiosity and interest in learning by making it fun and cooperative. They learn both academic and life skills which will fully prepare them to transition into Kindergarten.
Preschoolers participate in more structured activities in a classroom-like environment. Materials and lessons are child-centered to accommodate mixed ages and abilities. With a very low number of students, we can focus on individual needs and tailor the learning trajectory for each child.
We believe in developing the whole child, both mentally and physically. The child best develops in a stimulating environment where she can learn through her senses and physical movement and one which allows the child to explore and discover concepts very independently. We often find that when children can “play” and “tinker” with a puzzle, they develop a deeper understanding of a concept or skill and can problem-solve in much more creative ways than any adult could ever imagine.
Many of the learning manipulatives are Montessori-based which allow the children to explore and discover concepts very independently. The teacher guides the children by preparing the learning environment, teaching the children how to manage themselves and their environment, and providing the necessary structure so that children are able to freely explore, create and invent. The aim is to develop a curiosity and interest in learning by making it fun and cooperative. They learn both academic and life skills which will fully prepare them to transition into Kindergarten.
Here is a sample of a full-day schedule:
| 8:00–9:00 | Early a.m. care. Breakfast served. Indoor play. |
| 9:00 | Group gathers for singing and morning greeting. |
| 9:15–9:45 | Circle Time. Teacher presents lesson with learning materials |
| 9:45-10:00 | Snack |
| 10:00–11:15 | Independent work time with morning activity such as nature walk, cooking or art project, music and dance |
| 11:15–12:00 | Outdoor play time |
| 12:00–12:40 | Lunch |
| 12:40–1:00 | Clean up, bathroom and toileting needs. Children ready for departure or nap |
| 1:00–2:30 or 3:00 | Rest / Nap time |
| 3:00–3:30 | Afternoon snack |
| 3:30–5:00 | Free play – indoor or outdoor. Some structured games or afternoon project. |
| 5:00–6:00 | Departure, indoor play for late care. |
