Livermore, CA
Kinderkirk Nursery School

"A nonprofit organization, Kinderkirk Nursery School has been a program of the First Presbyterian Church in Livermore for over 30 years. Reflecting the Church's concern for the family needs of this community, we offer a non-religious program in a Christian atmosphere open to children of Church-members and the community at large without regard for race, religion, or gender. Through a warm, accepting climate and a rich program, we hope to give children a natural step from home to school.

We believe that each child needs a loving, caring, enriched environment that allows for individual uniqueness. Opportunities to make decisions and exercise free choice are important to a child's developing independence and self-esteem. Adults can assist in the healthy development of a child by encouraging the child's natural curiosity and creativity, increasing the child's understanding and appreciation of others, and nurturing the skills necessary for successful communication, problem solving and competence in many areas.

Our approach to discipline is on an individual basis. We believe that the goal of discipline is not to punish children, but to help them develop the self-control to be responsible for their behavior, to recognize what is appropriate behavior, and to plan and control their own behavior. We also recognize our responsibilities as teachers to model appropriate behavior and to maintain a safe, respectful, and accepting environment for everyone.
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Excerpted from the preschool's website

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"Morning

9:00A.M. Arrival - children are greeted at the door by one of the teachers. A short planning circle time is conducted. Parents sign in their child and make contact with the greeter.

9:00-10:00 Indoor Activities - including free-play, art, science, cooking and snack table with snacks provided by parents on a rotating schedule.

10:00-11:00 Outdoor Activities - including opportunities to develop large motor skills through the use of trikes, wagons, climbing structures, balancing equipment, balls, and the sandbox.

11:00-11:15 Story Time - the class is divided into small groups of 8-9 children who hear a story read by one of their teachers. There is time for discussion and dialogue within each group.

11:15-11:30 Circle Time - the class gathers together for a time of music and movement, finger-plays and flannel board activities, calendar and counting, science and celebrations, and language arts, etc.

11:30A.M. Dismissal - children are excused from the circle individually and released to their parent or other designated adult by the greeter. The adult taking the child must sign out and make contact with the teacher who is greeting.

AfterNoon :

12:30 P.M. Arrival - children are greeted at the door by one of the teachers. Parents sign in their child and make contact with the greeter.

12:30-1:30 Outdoor Activities - including opportunities to develop large motor skills through the use of trikes, wagons, climbing structures, balancing equipment, balls, and the sandbox. All children help put away toys and equipment before going into class.

1:30-1:40 Planning Circle - Children gather at circle time to hear what activities are planned and decided what they will do first.

1:40-2:40 Indoor Activities - including free-play, art, science, cooking and small motor development activities. At the end of this hour the children clean up the classroom together.

2:40-3:00 Snack Time - After washing their hands, all children sit at the tables together to share a nutritious snack. Table manners are emphasized and children are encouraged to try foods that may be new or unfamiliar to them. Snack is provided by parents on a rotating schedule.

3:00-3:15 Story Time - the class is divided into small groups of 8-9 children who hear a story read by one of their teachers. There is time for discussion and dialogue within each group.

3:15-3:30 Circle Time - the class gathers together for a time of music and movement, finger-plays and flannel board activities, calendar and counting, science and celebrations, and language arts, etc.

3:30 P.M. Dismissal - children are excused from the circle individually and released to their parent or other designated adult by
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Excerpted from the preschool's website

source: