Boston, MA
Acorn Center for Early Education and Care

Opened in 1972, Acorn was the first bilingual (Chinese-English) child care program in Massachusetts. Today, children of all backgrounds and cultures participate in creative and developmental learning through songs, stories, role-play, and hands-on activities. Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC), and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Acorn serves 81 children ages 15 months through 5 years old in five bright classrooms stocked with age and developmentally appropriate activities. The program is open full day, year round, and a nutritious breakfast and lunch is served in addition to a daily snack. Each classroom has two full-time teachers, one English speaking and one Chinese speaking, and all class activities are conducted in both Chinese and English.

Acorn's child-centered curriculum integrates the cultural heritage of all children and the staff recognize the need to nurture each child's learning and development by providing them with a consistent and stimulating environment. Group and individual activities are structured to help young children discover the joy of learning - encouraging them to explore new vocabulary, their own senses, creativity, social skills and the environment. Whether it is listening to Chinese folk music, creating art projects, contributing during circle time or playing outdoors, Acorn's students are excited by and celebrate the learning process.

Since parental involvement is crucial for a child's sucess, Acorn staff work closely with parents through regular conferences and frequent formal and informal talks. Acorn maintains an open door policy that encourages parents' active participation through classroom visits, volunteering, the sharing of ideas and concerns, and serving on an active parent advisory council. Parent meetings, workshops, potlucks and holiday celebrations help complete Acorn's family approach to early education.

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