Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Free Space

In a caring and positive atmosphere, we create a warm and happy place for preschoolers to learn. As we bridge the gap from home to school, we guide the children to continue a good self image while building social skills in a school setting. Sensory, motor, perceptual and language skills are introducced through weekly themes, materials and activities which are both child-centered and teacher-directed. 'Work' is planned which emphasizes the process rather than the product, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride. Based on the theory that children learn through play, classroom routines encourage active involvement, meaningful experimentation and reinforcement through diversity and repetition. Schedules are designed to balance structure and free choice as well as active and quiet times. Recognizing that children grow in predictable stages, we treat each child as an individual. Working from the level each child has attained (keeping in mind the child's learning styles and interests) and moving forward one step at a time, we teach love of learning by allowing them to feel success without pressure. We value the active involvement of parents in our program, both through committee and classroom participation. This involvement enables the children to see their parents as important and concerned members of the school environment, while providing parents opportunities to view the child with teachers and other children. Parents may gain valuable insights and techniques from the expertise of the staff and at the same time share their own insights, talents and interests to maintain the excellent quality of care here at Brooklyn Free Space. School then becomes a shared experience which hopefully will continue througout each child's educational proccess.

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Child arrives at school, is greeted by teachers and friends, selects a play area, and moves from one area to another at his/her own pace.

9:00-10:00 Free Play (music, art, table toys)
10:00-10:30 Clean Up/ Circle Time
10:30-11:00 Snack Time
11:00-11:45 Outdoor Activities (indoor or outdoor play area)
11:45-12:00 Clean Up (prepare for lunch)
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-12:50 Story Time
12:50-1:45 Rest Time
1:45-2:00 Clean Up
2:00-2:15 Snack
2:15-2:30 Circle
2:30-3:00 Children Selected Activities
3:00 Dismissal

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