Three Year Old Program

Overview

Our three year old program is designed to develop early social, pre-writing and pre-math skills. Children will have usually turned three before entering the program although some may turn three shortly after starting.

Program

Academics

Academically the children develop their fine motor skills to practice writing. Many children can write their name by the end of their time in this classroom. It is also a year where many children will name their first friends and we start seeing them really play together, not just next to each other. These social interactions are very important, so we make sure the children have time in free play to build those skills. The teachers will also direct play by setting out specific centers to provide both a social time as well as a skill building activity.

In addition to the classroom activities, children also participate in weekly specialty classes:

Gym
Spanish
Music
Computer (by request)

Field Trips

Three year old's also participate in monthly field trips to places like the Natural History Museum, Cox Farm and local Playgrounds. For a longer list of places we enjoy visiting, consult our field trips page.

Daily Schedule

A typical day in the three year old classroom starts with group circle time, tracing activities, art, music and building projects. The children participate in group and individual activities, and have free play as well as directed play. Cooking and science activities tend to be a favorite.

6:45am - 9:00am	Drop-off	3:00pm - 3:30pm	Afternoon Snack
8:30am - 9:00am	Breakfast	3:30pm - 6:15pm	Classroom Activities
9:00am - 11:00am	Morning Academics	4:00pm - 4:30pm	Recess
9:30am - 10:00am	Recess	5:00pm - 5:15pm	Evening Snack
11:30am - 12:30pm	Lunch	3:00pm - 6:15pm	Pick-Up
12:30pm - 3:00pm	Nap Time

Communication

We recognize the great trust it requires to place your child in the care of another person. To help provide your family the best possible experience:

A Family Care Representative is assigned to your family to provide support and information as your child progresses through their time at First Steps Academy.
Daily Reports, generated by the teacher, are sent home each day informing you of foods eaten, diaper changes, naps taken, medication administered, activities performed, and any other information you request, so you can know all the details of your child's day.
Classrooms have been equipped with telephones allowing you to connect directly with your teacher.
Medical issues and significant changes in mood are responded to with prompt phone calls to you, so you can make a decision based on the most immediate information available.
Parent teacher conferences are organized twice a year or at your request.
Schedules have been arranged to give you a better chance of seeing your teacher or assistant teacher each morning or afternoon.

Teacher Qualifications

There is a lead-qualified teacher in each of our classrooms. These teachers have either a bachelor's degree in a child related field, a CDA or equivalent certification.
Each lead teacher is supported by an assistant teacher who helps provide care and instruction throughout the day.
Teachers at First Steps Academy have a special blend of attention to detail and love of children.
And finally, we select teachers that can provide our own children with love and inspiration as well as safe and creative environments.

It is our character that supports the promise of our future.

W.J. Bennett